Fennel

Semolina Cake with Lemon and Fennel

The semolina, more delicate than cornmeal both in flavor and texture, gives so much more tender crumb than an all-flour cake is capable of.

Yogurt-Marinated Leg of Lamb with Spicy Fennel and Sumac

Since roasting can still feel scary (and I like you all a lot!), I’ve also included instructions for braising and I can assure you: Both ways are insanely good.

Spicy Pork Meatballs in Brothy Tomatoes and Toasted Fennel

Bound by yogurt with no bread crumbs or egg in sight, the meatballs are light, springy, and accidentally gluten-free.

Celery and Fennel with Walnuts and Blue Cheese

Unfortunately for celery, the nicest thing most people can say about it is that they like to eat it with their buffalo wings; but the merits of this very good and underrated vegetable are plenty, and well . . . I LOVE CELERY.

Salted Citrus Salad with Fennel, Radish, and Olive

Sure, citrus is soft and I would definitely call this a “Crunchy Salad.”

Lemony Watercress with Raw and Toasted Fennel

Mostly a salad to celebrate the specialness of a good, peppery watercress, there is also crunchy fennel tossed with some thin (whole) lemon slices.

Fennel and Grapefruit Salad with Honey and Mint

To reach the fullest expression of itself, the tangy, floral, bitter grapefruit wants to be more savory than sweet.

Raw and Roasted Carrots and Fennel with Feta and Pistachios

This salad is also terrific at room temperature and is easily doubled, making it great for feeding a crowd

Fennel Rubbed Sheet Pan Turkey with Cider Vinegar Gravy

This turkey is dry-brined and roasted on a sheet pan, per usual. Don’t let the word fennel scare you—it’s mild (though there is an option to increase the amount here), but gives just enough to make this turkey feel special.

Spicy Seafood Pasta with Fennel

At its core, this is a light breezy pasta made with caramelized fennel and juicy, fresh tomatoes—already wonderful—but yes, there is also seafood.

Clam Chowder with Corn and Bacon

This clam chowder is more of the brothy, soupy, light and ethereal variety, ideal for the end of summer and beginning of fall, but would happily take you into the winter months, too.

Very Crunchy Salad feat. Fennel, Apples, and Pecans

A salad is a non-negotiable for me, especially with all the rich, buttery dishes on the table. This bitter, crunchy, bright one with honeyed pecans and fennel seed will get eaten suspiciously fast for a salad at Thanksgiving.