This easy recipe for Roasted Fennel brings out it's natural sweetness, making it the perfect side dish for mild meats like chicken, fish, and shellfish.
Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, add fennel wedges, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, and salt and pepper (I like 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper) and toss until evenly coated.
Transfer to rimmed baking sheet and spread in an even layer. Roast until fennel is tender and starting to brown on edges, about 20 to 30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh fennel fronds.
Notes
Fennel bulbs: Also known as anise, fresh fennel bulbs reach peak season in the fall and winter. They taste subtly licorice-like, and as the fennel roasts, the flavor mellows out and complements savory dishes like pork beautifully. Look for 1-pound bulbs, each of which yields about 8 ounces after trimming.