Caramelized Fennel And Onions Simple Recipe

Enjoy Some Delicious Fennel Flair with this Italian Fare.

Fennel, long having been a staple in Italian cooking, gracing many a meatball or link of sausage with it's distinct aromatic flair and rich but subtle taste, pairs beautifully with it's Italian compatriot, onion. Together they make for the foundation of a symphony of flavors, including other classic Italian standbys such as Parmesan Romano, olive oil, and some fresh chopped parsley. With all of these delicious flavors together, you might be tempted to think that this was, in fact, a main dish. Well, not necessarily so, though the below featured Caramelized Fennel And Onions Simple Recipe can definitely stand on it's own as a wonderful source of rich flavor, and it definitely commands it's own presence at the master's table.

Ingredients:

* 2 large onions, sliced into long, 1/4" wide strips
* 2 large fennel bulbs, sliced into medium long, 1/4" wide strips
* 1 tbsp butter, melted
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 cup Parmesan Romano, grated
* 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
* 2 tsp juice of lemon
* 1 tsp zest of lemon

Procedure:

1. Add oil and butter to a uncovered large pan and heat on medium high heat.
2. Add onions and fennel, stirring to coat with butter and oil.
3. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Sprinkle sea salt over onions and fennel to taste.
5. Reduce heat to medium and continue to gently saute, causing the juices to caramelize, starting the caramelization process. Add a tbsp of water as need to keep ingredients from drying out.
6. Stir occasionally, scraping any caramelized dregs from the pan bottom. This step intensifies the flavor.
7. Further cook onion/fennel mixture between 30 minutes and an hour, taking note to only cook until mixture is at desired degree of caramelization. (Taste test periodically to be sure.) Also take care not to over-brown.
8. When done, immediately remove mixture from heat.
9. To serve, toss with remaining ingredients. Add additional lemon juice to taste. (Like the caramelizing process, be sure not to overdo it.)

Tips:

The above Caramelized Fennel And Onions Simple Recipe captures the essence of what is wonderful about Italian cuisine. Simple flavors complimenting each other, supporting each other, coming together to make a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Perhaps this approach is why Italian cuisine conjures up warm feelings of family being close by. Try this recipe and see if your own family agrees. Enjoy!

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