Sicilian-style gratinated fennels are a tasty and healthy side dish, perfect to accompany meat or fish main courses, but also ideal as a light and nutritious single course. This recipe is a tribute to Sicilian culinary tradition, which knows how to transform simple ingredients into dishes rich in flavor and aroma.
The fennel, a vegetable with a sweet and delicate flavor, is the star of this dish.
In Sicily, it is often enhanced with typical ingredients such as breadcrumbs, cheese, anchovies, and capers, giving the dish an irresistible mix of crunchiness and savoriness.
The secret of the gratin lies precisely in the combination of toasted breadcrumbs and Sicilian pecorino cheese, which provide a golden and fragrant crust.
The preparation is very simple and quick, suitable for those with little time but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a genuine and tasty dish. Sicilian-style gratinated fennels are a perfect balance between lightness and flavor, making this recipe a delight to bring to the table in any season. Below are more recipes.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter
Ingredients for the Sicilian-style Gratinated Fennel Recipe
- 1.1 lbs fennel (3)
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 1.8 oz pitted olives
- q.b. breadcrumbs
- 2.1 oz Sicilian pecorino cheese
- q.b. salt
- q.b. pepper
- 1.8 oz capers (I didn't have any at home, so I didn't use them)
- q.b. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 oil-packed anchovies
Tools for the Sicilian-style Gratinated Fennel Recipe
- 1 Knife
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Baking Tray
Steps
To prepare Sicilian-style gratinated fennels, start by cleaning the fennels and removing the fronds,
slice the fennel not too thickly,
also cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
Transfer the fennels to a large bowl,
add the halved cherry tomatoes,
the pitted olives, the capers (which I did not use),
the Sicilian pecorino cheese,
the breadcrumbs,
a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and
mix everything together.
Transfer onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, season with salt and pepper,
pour some extra virgin olive oil,
add pieces of oil-packed anchovy and
bake in a preheated static oven at 356°F for 25-30 minutes.
Sicilian-style gratinated fennels are ready to be enjoyed.
Sicilian-style gratinated fennels can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, covered with food wrap.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, definitely, you can also use Parmesan.
