Caramelized Fennel with Thyme & Honey

Easy Caramelized Fennel with Thyme and Honey Recipe

Caramelized Fennel with Thyme & Honey

This elegant side dish elevates fennel by caramelizing it with honey and fresh thyme to create a tender, sweet, and savory flavor perfect for any holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving. Simple to prepare yet sophisticated in taste, it complements a variety of main dishes and sides.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 140

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Fennel Bulbs

2 large fennel bulbs firm, white bulbs with fresh green fronds

Fats & Oils

2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred

Herbs & Sweeteners

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves strip leaves from woody stems
2 tablespoons honey wildflower or clover honey

Liquids & Seasonings

1/4 cup vegetable broth or water, for deglazing and tenderizing
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

Heavy-bottomed Skillet

Method

Wash fennel bulbs thoroughly, trim fronds (reserve for garnish if desired), slice off the bulb bottoms leaving core intact, then cut vertically into 1/2-inch wedges (6-8 wedges per bulb).
Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until hot but not smoking. Add olive oil and swirl to coat bottom.
Arrange fennel wedges in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on the bottom and slightly tender.
Flip wedges and cook another 5-7 minutes until evenly browned. Reduce heat to medium-low.
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over fennel. Pour in vegetable broth to deglaze pan and create steam. Stir in honey to coat evenly. Season with salt and black pepper.
Cover skillet and simmer gently for 5-8 minutes until liquid mostly evaporates and fennel is fork tender with a glossy glaze. Remove lid and reduce any excess liquid over slightly higher heat, stirring constantly.
Transfer to serving platter and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or chopped fennel fronds. Serve immediately as a warm side dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 220mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 4gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.3mg

Notes

This recipe can be adapted with substitutions such as celeriac or parsnips for fennel, maple syrup for honey for a vegan version, and avocado oil or butter for olive oil. Use a cast iron or stainless steel pan for best caramelization.

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