Fennel: see how to use the plant in herbal teas and savory or sweet dishes

When it comes to fennel, it is very likely that the first thought that comes to mind is about the herbal tea made from the leaves of the plant. No wonder – the drink is known for its excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory power.

But while fennel tea is one of the plant’s primary uses, it’s not the only one. In the kitchen there are also different ways to enhance the dishes, either salty or sweetwith the unique flavor of the spice.

Guia da Cozinha made a seasoning manual to help you choose the right one when preparing that special recipe. We have already talked about basil, sage, thyme and oregano. Now you can find out how to use fennel in cooking and understand its health benefits.

How to use fennel in recipes

even if it has a taste more sugary, it is possible to use the plant in both savory and sweet recipes. Since it is possible to take full advantage of it, all that remains is to carefully choose which part of the fennel to use and the most suitable way to prepare it.

If you want to prepare a savory dish, know that fennel must work like celery, retaining the sweetness when it is braised, grilled or roasted. It is a condiment that harmonizes with pork and fish, as well as works well raw in salads thanks to its crunchiness. A good example of a recipe is this:

Sardine and fennel salad

Sardines and Fennel Salad – Photo: Guia da Cozinha

Time: 30min (+1h of fridge)

Performance: 4 portions

Difficulty: easy

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 thinly sliced ​​fennel
• 3 cups pasta (cooked al dente)
• 1 can of drained sardines
• 1/2 cup cream (milk)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon (coffee) of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

Method of preparation:

1. In a nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Then saute the garlic and fennel for 3 minutes and set aside
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the pasta, fennel, sardines, cream, lemon, salt, and pepper
4. Garnish with chives and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

Now for the sweet recipes, know that fennel will help you break down excess sweetness, bringing freshness. Try using it in preparations such as cakes and cookies, as well as breads and buns that have cornmeal or cornmeal in the ingredients. Also, other options that go well are desserts with fruits like pears and apples. For example, this cake here’s a treat:

Corn and fennel cake

Cornmeal and Fennel Cake – Photo: Guia da Cozinha

Time: 1h30

Performance: 8 portions

Difficulty: easy

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs (whites and yolks separated)
• 2 1/2 cups (tea) sugar
• 1 and 1/2 cups wheat flour (tea)
• 3 tablespoons of peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon(s) of fennel
• 2 cups of milk (tea)
• 1 1/2 cups cornmeal (tea)
• Margarine and wheat flour for greasing

Method of preparation:

1. In the planetary mixer, beat the egg yolks with the sugar, the peanut butter and then the butter
2. Add the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, fennel and milk
3. In the meantime, beat it well
4. Add the whipped egg whites, mixing without beating
5. Pour into a 30 cm diameter buttered and floured mould.
6. Bake in a preheated medium oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Unmold and serve.

Benefits of fennel

As we have already mentioned, the fennel tea It is known for its powerful health effects. You can prepare them from the leaves to cure especially dyspepsia, hypertension and bronchitis. But not only!

The plant is also popular due to its digestive properties. This is because it can relieve colic and intestinal gas. However, one thing that not everyone knows is that its consumption can still stimulate the appetite.

With B vitamins, potassium, and iron, fennel also helps control colds, bad breath, inflammation, and even calms your mood. Yes, that’s a lot for just one plant, right? Try using it in recipes and then ensure all these benefits!

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.