ROAST FENNEL SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Trim away tough stalks and bottom stem from fennel bulb; reserve leafy tops. Cut the bulb and tender stalks into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
• Arrange fennel and onion in a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the vegetables are just tender but not brown.
• Transfer roasted fennel and onion to a large saucepan. Add potato and broth; bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Cool slightly.
• Place one-third of fennel mixture in a blender container or food processor bowl. Blend or process until smooth. Repeat with remaining fennel mixture. Return all mixture to saucepan. Stir in half-and-half or evaporated milk, cumin, and grapefruit juice. Heat through. Season to taste with white pepper.
• Meanwhile, place the fennel seeds in a small skillet over medium-high heat and toast about 3 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant, stirring frequently.
• To serve, ladle soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a piece of fennel top, and sprinkle with toasted fennel seeds. Garnish with edible flowers, if desired. Makes 8 (1-cup) servings.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, until cooked through.
• Saute the chopped onions and chopped fennel with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large stockpot on medium heat until translucent, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add the roasted potatoes (including scrapings from the pan) and the stock.
• Cover and bring to a boil.
• Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until all the vegetables are very soft.
• Add the heavy cream and allow the soup to cook slightly.
• Using a stick blender, puree the soup in the pot (this can also be done in a regular blender, food processor, or food mill).
• Taste for salt and pepper.
• Reheat and serve hot.