Braised Fennel

Name: Braised Fennel
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large or 4 small fennel bulbs; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick); 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock; 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; Finely grated zest of 1 orange

Fennel Christmas Thanksgiving French Side Dish Easy

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4 servings Easy

(0) Total: 35 mins Active: 20 mins

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Ingredients (6)

2 large or 4 small fennel bulbs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
Finely grated zest of 1 orange

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Nutritional Information

Calories162
Fat12.12g
Saturated fat7.48g
Trans fat0.47g
Carbs12.93g
Fiber3.54g
Sugar8.3g
Protein2.38g
Cholesterol31.43mg
Sodium419.05mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (4 servings) Powered by

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There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

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What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

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How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

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Braising transforms stalk vegetables like fennel and celery into luscious, meltingly tender side dishes. Here, brown butter and a bit of orange juice and zest add a deeply earthy flavor and bright acidity. For more, check out our Shaved Fennel and Pistachio Salad, Braised Pork Chops and Fennel, and Herbed Beets with Fennel.

by Kim Laidlaw

Instructions

1Trim the fennel bulbs, reserving some of the fronds as garnish. Cut the fennel bulbs lengthwise into thick wedges. Sprinkle the fennel wedges with salt.
2In a large frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Let the butter cook for a minute or so until it starts to brown. Place the fennel cut-side-down in the pan in a single layer. Let cook, without moving, until browned on one side, about 3 minutes. Turn and brown the other side, about 3 minutes.
3Add the stock and orange juice to the pan, and sprinkle the fennel wedges with orange zest. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until the fennel is tender, about 5 minutes. Serve, garnished with a sprinkling of the reserved fronds.