Recipe Archives->Pasta->Fennel Mozzarella

 
Spaghettini with Roasted Fennel & Mozzarella
 
2 medium bulbs fennel, washed and trimmed
1 head garlic, cloves peeled and , if large, halved
1 Tablespoon fennel seeds, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive-oil
4 canned plum tomatoes, chopped (2/3 cup)
1/4 teaspoon dried chile flakes
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 lb. of spaghettini
1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
 
Heat the oven to 450 F.  Cut the fennel bulbs into quarters through
their cores.  With a chef's knife, cut out each core, set the wedges
cut side down, and cut them into 1/8 inch slices.  In a shallow
ovenproof dish or baking pan, toss the fennel with the garlic,
fennel seeds, half of the olive oil, the tomatoes, chile flakes,
salt and pepper.  Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of the
pan.  Roast without sirring until the fennel is limp and somewhat
browned, 35 - 40 minutes.
 
When the fennel is just cooked, cook the spaghettini until al dente,
drain it and return it to its pot.  Add the roasted mixture to the
op and toss.  Add the remaining olive oil.  Tear the basil into
pieces and add it to the pot.  Just before serving, toss with the
mozzarella and parmesan.  Serve immmediately with extra parmesan
on the table.
 
Variation:  I think I'll try it using montarey jack with jalpeno
peppers and reduced amount of pepper flakes instead of mozzarella
and pepper flakes.
 

Printable version: fennel-mozzarella.txt.