What Are Fennel fronds and How Can I Use Them?
Here's everything worth knowing about fennel fronds and how to pick them, what they are, how to store them, and what to use instead, plus 26 recipes to cook tonight.
What are fennel fronds?
Fennel fronds, or leaves are the fern-like leaves that grow from the fennel bulb. They can be used as a garnish as well as a flavour component to many dishes.
Many markets aggressively trim back the leaves from fennel bulbs so you may have to hunt to find fresh fennel bulbs with the fronds still attached!
Where found
Fennel fronds are usually found in the produce section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
| In Chinese: | 茴香复叶 | |
| British (UK) term: | ||
| en français: | frondes de fenouil | |
| en español: | hojas de hinojo |
Recipes using fennel fronds
There are 26 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Kohlrabi Soup with Anise Flavor
Delicate, spring soup which is my rendition of the traditional Silesian soup called oberiba. Both recipes differ a lot, so this one shouldn't be named as Silesians did.
Roasted Squash & Fennel with Thyme
We love this simple and tasty recipe, toasted fennel adds more flavor to the squash, and they are fresh and tasty.
Scallops on Fennel Puree with Honey Balsamic Drizzle
Pan seared scallops served on a bed of fennel puree with a sweet Balsamic drizzle. This recipe was inspired by Masterchef New Zealand contestant Rob and I've modified the ingredients and instructions to match those that are commonly available in North America along with experimentation to make the recipe lower in fats yet every bit as flavorful.
Citrus Vinaigrette with Hazelnut Oil
A bright vinaigrette of fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar whisked with olive oil and nutty hazelnut oil. Fennel seeds, scallions, and fresh herbs make it sparkle. No cooking required.
Perciatelli with Fresh Sardines
Sicilian pasta con le sarde with fresh sardines, sweet currants, toasted pine nuts, fennel, and crispy breadcrumbs. Authentic Italian coastal flavor.
Bisque De Cribiches(Freshwater Crayfish Bisq
Creole-style freshwater crayfish bisque with coconut milk, fennel, and egg yolk thickener. Crayfish sauteed, pureed, and simmered into a silky, rich soup.
Spaghetti with Swordfish & Hot Peppers
Spaghetti with swordfish and hot peppers is a coastal Sicilian-style pasta: cubed swordfish simmered with jalapeño, garlic, plum tomatoes, and white wine, finished with fresh mint and fennel fronds.
Grilled Snapper with A Herb Salad
Whole grilled snapper served with a bright herb salad of basil, mint, fennel fronds, sorrel, and edible nasturtium flowers dressed in lemon and olive oil.
Fennel, Mushroom & Parmesan Salad
Raw fennel, mushroom, and shaved Parmesan salad with a garlic-lemon vinaigrette and crushed fennel seeds. Mushrooms marinate for an hour, then get layered with paper-thin fennel and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Grilled Lobster with Herb Salad
Grilled split lobster served alongside a fresh herb salad of basil, mint, fennel fronds, chervil, chives, and parsley dressed in lemon and olive oil. Simple, elegant, done in 30 minutes.
Sauteed Rabbit Loin with Braised Fennel & B
Sauteed rabbit loin brined then braised with fennel, balsamic vinegar, and white wine, finished with a vibrant salsa verde of parsley, capers, spinach, and fennel fronds.
Barbecued Fish with Fennel
Provençal barbecued whole fish stuffed with fresh fennel, grilled over a bed of fennel stalks with butter and lemon. Classic Mediterranean outdoor cooking for a crowd.
Pasta with Fennel & Dried Tomatoes
Vegetarian penne with sauteed fennel bulb, rehydrated dried tomatoes, broccoli, and pine nuts. A savory pasta tossed in the tomato soaking liquid for deep flavor.
Marinated Celery, Hellenic Style
Hellenic marinated celery poached in olive oil, lemon juice, fennel, thyme, and parsley, then chilled. A light Greek-style cold appetizer, low calorie.
Marinated Celery, Hellenic Style
Hellenic marinated celery poached in olive oil, lemon juice, fennel, thyme, and parsley, then chilled. A light Greek-style cold appetizer, low calorie.
Citrus Vinaigrette with Hazlenut Oil
Fresh-squeezed orange and lemon juice whisked with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and toasty hazelnut oil. Crushed fennel seeds, scallions, and a trio of fresh herbs bring brightness and depth to any salad.
Fish Soup with Fennel
Creamy fish soup with fennel, hake and flounder, simmered in homemade fish stock with leek, carrot, and lovage. A two-fish European-style chowder finished with sour cream and chopped fennel fronds.
Barchetta Endivia Belga E Taleggio (Endive & Taleggio Boats)
Crisp Belgian endive leaves loaded two ways: smoked salmon with creamy Taleggio and fennel, or bresaola with roasted peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. No-cook Italian appetizers in 20 minutes.
Stew of Fennel
Fennel bulbs blanched and browned in butter, simmered with caramelized pearl onions and carrots in stock. A light, elegant vegetable stew that's ready in an hour.
Stew of Fennel with Carrots & Pearl Onions
Braised fennel stew with caramelized pearl onions and carrots simmered in chicken broth. A French-inspired vegetable side with anise-sweet fennel, browned butter, and natural sugars.
Fish Stew with Herbs
Provencal fish stew with haddock, fennel, thyme, and bay leaf in a tomato-white wine broth. Served over garlic croutons, 40 minutes from the first sear to the ladle.
Harvest Pea Soup with Fennel
Split pea soup with fennel, potatoes, and green peas pureed into a creamy base then finished with fresh basil and parsley. A vegan harvest soup with anise-sweet depth.
Butternut Squash & Brown Rice Pilaf
Healthy brown rice pilaf studded with grated butternut squash, fennel, and oregano. Low-fat winter side dish with warming cinnamon and white wine in every bite.
Fennel Vinaigrette Dressing
Warm fennel vinaigrette infuses olive oil with fresh fennel fronds, lemon juice, and garlic. Drizzle over sweet onion and cucumber for a bright Mediterranean salad.
