Orange-Braised Fennel

Another great-looking recipe from the Green B.E.A.N. newsletter this week.  I've never had fennel (except in tea), but this certainly gives me an incentive to try it!

Orange-Braised Fennel

Ingredients:

2 bulbs fennel, trimmed (1 ½ pounds)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter  *Of course, I'd substitute Earth Balance here...easy enough!

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 ½ cups freshly squeezed orange juice (about 3 oranges)

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

½ cup dry white wine or vegetable broth

Directions:

With a large knife, cut each fennel bulb lengthwise into four slices.  In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and oil until sizzling.  Lay fennel slices in skillet, cook, turning once, until browned, about 5 minutes per side.

Pour orange juice over fennel; season with salt and pepper.  Bring mixture to a boil,  then reduce to a simmer.  Cook until fennel is tender, about 15 minutes.  Add wine or broth, and continue cooking until fennel is very tender and sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes more.  Season with salt and pepper, as desired, and serve warm.  Serves 4