GRATIN OF FENNEL AND TOMATO

From The Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan
Copyright 2007

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard guests say, “Fennel? I’ve never tasted fennel. This is delicious.” Whether sautéed, braised, or sliced raw for salads, fennel is always a surprise and a delight to serve. Sometimes labeled sweet anise, fennel has a texture similar to celery and a lovely, mild licorice flavor, which is a perfect foil for a rich meal. This gratin dish has been a part of my Thanksgiving buffet for at least 15 years—it’s now a tradition for us, and my family would be disappointed to do without it.

3/4 cup dried bread crumbs
5 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large yellow onion (about 12 oz), halved, and cut into 1/4-inch slices
6 fennel bulbs, trimmed of stalks, halved, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup (3 oz) grated Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano
Minced zest of 1 lemon

In an 8-inch skillet over medium-high heat, toast the bread crumbs, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.

In a 12-inch sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat, and swirl to coat the pan. Sauté the garlic and onion until soft, but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add the fennel and continue sautéing, stirring frequently, until the fennel has softened and is beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes longer. Transfer to a shallow oven-to-table casserole or gratin dish.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Sprinkle evenly over the fennel mixture. (The gratin can be made up to this point 6 to 8 hours ahead. Cover, and set aside at room temperature.)

Bake the gratin until heated through and the topping is crisp, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

Serves 10