Skip to main content

Sautéed Fennel with Almonds, Raisins, and Saffron

4.6

(27)

Image may contain Plant Food Seasoning Dill and Produce
Sautéed Fennel with Almonds, Raisins, and SaffronJohn Kernick

Carena brings an almost Moroccan sensibility to this delicious play of sweet and savory, from the crisp-tender fennel to the orange essences and underlying traces of saffron and raisins.

Cooks' note:

Dish can be cooked 1 day ahead and chilled.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 min (includes cooling)

  • Yield

    Serves 4 (first course)

Ingredients

2 fennel bulbs (1 pound total), stalks discarded
1/4 cup whole almonds (preferably Marcona), lightly toasted
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup raisins
2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Pinch of saffron threads, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Garnish:

fennel fronds and chervil leaves

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Slice fennel lengthwise 1/4 inch thick. Coarsely crush almonds by firmly rolling over them with a rolling pin.

    Step 2

    Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then sauté fennel with garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Stir in almonds, raisins, coriander, zest, juice, and saffron and sauté until raisins start to plump, about 2 minutes.

    Step 3

    Stir in cilantro just before serving at room temperature.

Read More
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.
Sticky-sweet mall-style bourbon chicken gets a fall makeover.
This skillet dinner is a delightful way to use up a jug of cider.
A fam-favorite, 30-minute dinner we have on repeat.
Canned pumpkin, you shouldn’t have!
A sheet-pan wonder with lots of crispy rice.
Full of crunchy veg and a miso-maple dressing.