BROCCOLI WITH FENNEL AND RED BELL PEPPER

Broccoli with Fennel and Red Bell Pepper image

Yield Makes 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fennel seeds
2 shallots, chopped
1 fresh fennel bulb (about 1 pound), halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise
1 large red bell pepper, cut into long strips
3 large heads of broccoli, cut into florets (about 7 cups)
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence*
2/3 cup canned low-salt chicken broth

Steps:

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add fennel seeds and stir until toasted, about 3 minutes. Add shallots and sauté until golden, about 3 minutes. Add sliced fennel bulb and red bell pepper and sauté until just tender, about 3 minutes. Add broccoli. Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons oil over vegetables. Stir in herbes de Provence. Pour broth over. Simmer until broccoli is crisp-tender and liquid evaporates, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
*A dried herb mixture available at specialty foods stores and in the spice section of some supermarkets. A combination of dried thyme, basil, savory, and fennel seeds can be substituted.