Warm Roasted Fennel & Parmesan Cheese Spread

January 2, 2012 / No Comments

Warm Roasted Fennel & Parmesan Cheese Spread

This is another healthy dip or spread recipe that I decided to try out over the holidays that highlights fennel. I wasn’t really sure how this dip would turn out as the ingredient list is pretty short, and I wasn’t convinced that roasted fennel as the primary ingredient could add enough flavor to create a delicious dip. I tweaked the dip just a bit and the final result was really tasty. If you do not care for cooked fennel, than you probably are not going to be crazy about this dip, but those of us who love fennel, particularly roasted fennel, found the dip unique and very enjoyable. I served my spread with some grilled slices of multigrain baguette bread to slather the warm spread on although I think multi grain pita chips could also be used to scoop up the tasty dip.

Why Healthy

Low calorie caramelized vegetables are the primary ingredient in this dip.
Just a little heart healthy olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese are used to add flavor.
Multigrain bread slices add fiber, as well as other nutritional value.

Warm Roasted Fennel & Parmesan Cheese Spread

Caramelized fennel, onions and garlic combine to make a healthy, low fat spread.

Yield: Serves 8

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

3 Medium Sized Fennel Bulbs, Trimmed & Cut Into 1 Inch Wedges
1 Small, Sweet Onion, Peeled & Cut Into 1 Inch Wedges
4 Cloves Garlic, Peeled
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/3 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper
Topping:
2 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
Cracked Black Pepper
To Serve:
Multigrain Baguette, Sliced & Grilled

Adapted from Martha Stewart Living, November 2010.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Toss the fennel, onion and garlic with the olive oil and place in an oven-proof roasting dish.
Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are fork tender and lightly browned.
Place the vegetables into a food processor along with the grated cheese and pulse until fairly smooth.
Season with salt and pepper and place in a small oven-proof baking dish.
Sprinkle the top with the additional 2 tablespoons of grated cheese and cracked pepper and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, first preheat the oven to 400 degrees F, and then bake until hot and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve warm along with slices of grilled bread.