Fennel Confit

What is fennel confit?

Fennel confit is a dish where fennel bulbs are slowly cooked in oil until they become tender and infused with flavor. The term "confit" typically refers to a preservation method where food is cooked slowly in oil or fat. In the case of fennel confit, the fennel bulbs are often cut into wedges or slices and then cooked in olive oil or another type of oil, along with aromatics such as garlic, herbs, and spices.

During the cooking process, the fennel absorbs the flavors of the oil and aromatics, becoming soft and yielding while retaining its unique anise-like flavor. This slow cooking method allows the fennel to develop a rich, complex taste and a luxurious texture.

Ingredients

You can flavor fennel confit with many different herbs but we kept it simple with garlic, fennel and lemon.

• Fennel - choose fennel bulbs that are crisp and firm, with a clean, white base. The bulb should be free from any bruises, blemishes, or discoloration. Avoid fennel bulbs that appear wilted or have soft spots.
• Dill - select fresh dill.
• Lemon - this could be substituted with lime.
• Garlic - always feel free to add another clove to your taste.
• Bayleaf - can be optional and is removed after cooking.

How to make fennel confit

Making fennel confit is a simple yet rewarding process that results in tender, flavorful fennel infused with aromatic oils.

Trim and slice the fennel.

Place the fennel slices in a baking dish.

Add the lemon rind, garlic, dill and bay leaves.

Cover with oil and melted butter and bake.

Storage

Leftover fennel confit can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days. It can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated before serving.

Recipe Tips

Feel free to customize the flavors of your fennel confit by adding different herbs or spices. Fennel pairs well with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil, as well as spices like fennel seeds or red pepper flakes.

You can adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fennel wedges and your desired level of tenderness. Keep an eye on the fennel while it cooks to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.

How to serve fennel confit

1. As a Side Dish: Serve the fennel confit alongside grilled or roasted meats such as steak, chicken or salmon. The flavorful and tender fennel will complement the richness of the meat while adding a burst of freshness.
2. In Salads: Incorporate the fennel confit into a keto-friendly salad. Combine it with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes and sliced almonds or walnuts. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice and Dijon mustard.
3. With Cheese and Charcuterie: Arrange slices of fennel confit on a keto-friendly charcuterie board along with an assortment of cheeses (such as brie, cheddar, or goat cheese) and cured meats (such as prosciutto or salami). Add some olives, pickles and nuts for extra variety.
4. On Keto Pizza: Use fennel confit as a topping for homemade keto pizza. Spread a thin layer of low-carb pizza sauce or pesto on a keto-friendly crust, then add the fennel confit along with other toppings like mozzarella cheese, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
5. In Omelettes or Frittatas: Incorporate chopped fennel confit into keto-friendly omelettes or frittatas for a flavorful and satisfying breakfast or brunch option. Add some spinach, mushrooms and goat cheese for extra flavor and nutrients.
6. On Keto Crackers or Toast: Spread fennel confit onto keto-friendly crackers or toast made from almond flour or coconut flour. Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of cream cheese for a tasty keto-friendly snack.
7. In Keto Pasta Dishes: Toss chopped fennel confit with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative. Add some cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for protein and toss with a creamy Alfredo sauce or a homemade pesto.

More fennel confit flavor suggestions

When making fennel confit, you can enhance its flavor by incorporating various herbs, spices, and additional ingredients. Here are some flavor suggestions to consider:

1. Fennel Seeds: Toasted fennel seeds can intensify the natural flavor of fennel bulbs. Sprinkle them over the fennel wedges before baking for an extra boost of aroma and taste.
2. Citrus Zest: In addition to lemon slices, you can add zest from oranges or grapefruits to infuse the fennel confit with bright, citrusy notes. The zest adds a layer of freshness and complexity to the dish.
3. Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs to complement the flavor of fennel. Thyme, rosemary, oregano and basil all pair well with fennel and can be added to the confit for a fragrant and savory twist.
4. Chili Flakes: For a touch of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes over the fennel before baking. The subtle spiciness will balance the sweetness of the fennel and add depth to the overall flavor profile.
5. Garlic Variations: Instead of sliced garlic, try using roasted garlic cloves or garlic powder to infuse the fennel confit with a mellow, caramelized garlic flavor. Roasted garlic adds richness and complexity to the dish.
6. Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar over the fennel before baking to add a hint of sweetness and acidity. Balsamic vinegar caramelizes as it cooks, creating a rich and flavorful glaze.
7. Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fennel confit during the last few minutes of baking. The cheese will melt and form a golden crust, adding a savory umami flavor to the dish.

More Keto Side Dishes

Elevate your main course and serve these tasty low carb side dish recipes:

Roasted Red Cabbage

Cabbage Fritters

Chayote Gratin

Kale Cauliflower Tots