ADVERTISEMENT
- Real Recipes from Real People -

Recipe(tried): Layered Fennel Bake with Bechamel Sauce (Sketchy recipe #1!)

Side Dishes - Assorted
This was unbelievable, we learned to make it at the cooking class in Tuscany. I have made it since coming home, also. I did not like fennel before I tried this. Warning! This is NOT low fat OR low carb OR low anything!! It tastes WONDERFUL! I have fennel in the garden just ready to pull, can't wait! (I know, why would I grow fennel if I didn't like it? It's pretty!)The amounts are sketchy, it's just one of those recipes, you use as much as you are hungry for!

LAYERED FENNEL BAKE

2 to 3 fennel bulbs, cleaned. Use the white bulb part only, and cut each bulb into 1/4s or 1/6s. Try to keep layers of each section together.
Flour seasoned with salt and pepper
Olive oil for frying
Medium thick Bechamel sauce (white sauce)(Besciamella if you are practicing your Italian!) (recipe follows)
Grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese

Place fennel 1/4s in a steamer and steam until just tender. Handle gently, you want to try to keep layers of each section together.

Preheat oven to 375.

Let fennel cool until it's cool enough to handle. Dredge each section in flour and fry in a bit of olive oil on all sides until golden brown, but not too dark brown. Layer in an oiled casserole dish with Bechamel sauce. One or two layers, doens't matter. Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake uncovered at 375 degrees F. for 30 minutes. OH, MY, GOSH! It's sooo good!

Bechamel Sauce

4 Tablespoons flour
4 Tablespoons butter
2 cups of milk (about)
Salt and pepper to taste

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat taking care not to let it brown. Whisk in the flour and stir until well blended. Do not let brown. Gradually stir in milk. (some books advise using hot milk at this step to avoid lumps)Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Simmer over very low heat for about 5-8 minutes stirring constantly.(You're cooking out the flour taste) Season with salt and pepper to taste. Makes about 2 cups of sauce.
MsgID: 038230
Shared by: Micha in AZ
Board: International Recipes at Recipelink.com
  • Post Reply
  • Post New
  • Save to Recipe Box
UPLOAD AN IMAGE
Allowed file types: .gif .png .jpg .jpeg

POST A REPLY
Post a Request - Answer a Question
Share a Recipe
Thank You To All Who Contribute
  • Recipe(tried): Layered Fennel Bake with Bechamel Sauce (Sketchy recipe #1!)
  • Please select one:
  • This message includes a recipe that I have not made Recipe: will appear as the first word of the title
  • This message includes a recipe that I have made Recipe (tried): will appear as the first words of the title
  • This message is a question or a request for a recipe ISO: (In Search of) will appear as the first words of the title
  • This message is to thank the person(s) that answered my request Thank You will appear as the first words of the title
  • No Prefix


POST A NEW MESSAGE
Post a Request - Answer a Question
Share a Recipe
Thank You To All Who Contribute
  • Please select one:
  • This message includes a recipe that I have not made Recipe: will appear as the first word of the title
  • This message includes a recipe that I have made Recipe (tried): will appear as the first words of the title
  • This message is a question or a request for a recipe ISO: (In Search of) will appear as the first words of the title
  • This message is to thank the person(s) that answered my request Thank You will appear as the first words of the title
  • No Prefix