FINOCCHI AL GRATIN (FENNEL GRATIN)

Finocchi al Gratin (Fennel Gratin) image

In this recipe, the sweetness of fennel goes perfectly with the flavor of the sauce and gives life to a classic first course in the Italian tradition. Serve as an accompaniment to a light main, because the gratin will play a leading role.

Provided by saretta

Categories Side Dish Vegetables

Time 1h2m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons bread crumbs, or as needed
2 bulbs fennel bulbs, cut into wedges
3 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups milk
3 tablespoons milk
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs.
Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add fennel wedges, cover, and steam until tender but still crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to the baking dish.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a soft paste. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons milk; simmer until sauce is creamy and thick, 5 to 6 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Pour sauce over fennel in the baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden, about 20 minutes. Broil until top is browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Let stand before serving, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 227.3 calories, Carbohydrate 23.9 g, Cholesterol 33.3 mg, Fat 12 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 7.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 266 mg, Sugar 5.3 g