Butter Roasted Fennel with Labneh and Zesty Chimichurri

Caramelized Fennel and Bold Flavors: A Visually Stunning Dish with Tangy Contrasts

Butter Roasted Fennel with Labneh

Roasting fennel transforms it from a raw, somewhat licorice-flavored bulb into something tender, caramelized, and deeply savory. This dish pairs beautifully with the creamy tanginess of labneh and the bold, fresh kick of my simple chimichurri. Its visual and taste profiles are a feast for the senses, with the golden-brown fennel atop the snowy white labneh, all punctuated by the vibrant green of the chimichurri. This dish not only delights the palate but also dazzles the eye, perfect for a standout side or a light main course.

Ingredients -

- 2 small-medium fennels

- 15 g butter, sliced into small cubes

- 5-6 sprigs of thyme

- Juice of half a lemon

- 400 g labneh cheese

- Olive oil for cooking and garnish

For the Chimichurri:

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

- 1/3 green chili pepper, finely chopped

- 3 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1/2 cup olive oil

- 3 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions -

1. Cut the fennel bulbs into 6 equal wedges (or 4, depending on the size)

2. Heat some olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the fennel wedges. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip to brown the other side.

3. Add the butter and thyme sprigs to the pan. Continue cooking the fennel until tender, basting a few times with the butter and thyme mixture to enrich it with buttery flavors. Just before removing from the heat, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. remove the thyme leaves to save for garnish.

4. To make the simple chimichurri, combine all ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, aiming for bold and vibrant flavors.

5. To serve, spread a generous amount of labneh on a plate. Top with the roasted fennel, drizzle some chimichurri over it, and finish with a garnish of olive oil and the cooked thyme leaves. Enjoy!

Enjoy this stunningly beautiful dish that combines taste and aesthetics, making it a perfect choice for impressing guests or indulging in a gourmet experience at home.

Have you tried this? please let me know what you think in the comments! feel free to ask any questions :)