21 Truly Fabulous Fennel Recipes

Often likened in taste to licorice, fennel is in fact far more subtle with a texture similar to celery. Additionally, unlike licorice, the flavor is savory, not sweet. When left raw, fennel is cool and crunchy, while the cooked version is mellow and soft. The latter is wonderful alongside fish or chicken or tossed with pasta.

If you're new to cooking with fennel, the aromatic vegetable might seem intimidating at first. As a staple in Indian and Middle Eastern recipes, fennel works well with such dishes, so consider these cuisines when planning your menu. Ready to give it a try? Turn to these flavorful fennel recipes for inspiration today.

How to Buy Fennel

At the grocery store, fennel is easily identifiable: It has a fat white bulb (like an onion) and a feathery top of green stalks and fluffy fronds (though some grocers cut these parts off). Choose firm, greenish-white fennel bulbs with no soft or brown spots. If the fronds are still attached to the bulb, they should be bright green with no signs of wilting.

How to Store Fennel

Wrapped in a paper bag and refrigerated, fennel can last three to five days. But, as bulbs tend to dry out over time, it's best to use them as soon as possible.