Name: Braised Fennel with Basil Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 large fennel bulbs, trimmed and sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste

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If you’re looking to fall in love with fennel, or simply want a vibrant veggie side, let me introduce you to the magic of Braised Fennel with Basil. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe transforms crisp fennel bulbs with gentle braising, a pop of fresh basil, and just a hint of lemon for brightness. The result? A dish that’s meltingly tender, wildly aromatic, and perfect for elevating any dinner table. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted meats or fish or letting it shine as the star of a vegan feast, Braised Fennel with Basil will surprise and delight your taste buds every single time.

Braised Fennel with Basil Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how a handful of well-chosen ingredients create something totally memorable. Each component brings its own personality: crisp fennel for crunch and sweetness, fresh basil for herbal brightness, and a splash of lemon to wake everything up. Here’s what you’ll need—and why!

Fennel Bulbs: Look for three large, firm bulbs with fresh green fronds; fennel’s unique anise flavor mellows beautifully as it cooks.
Olive Oil: Two tablespoons add richness and coax out the browning that makes this dish irresistibly savory.
Onion: A small, finely chopped onion brings gentle sweetness and depth to the braising base.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: One cup turns everything lush and juicy—using your favorite stock creates the backbone of flavor.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, lend aromatic warmth that gets everyone asking, “What smells so good?”
Lemon Juice: Just a tablespoon for a bright, zesty accent; fresh-squeezed is best here.
Fresh Basil Leaves: A quarter cup, chopped, adds a burst of color and fresh herbal note right at the end.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season carefully to taste—just enough to bring all the flavors forward.

How to Make Braised Fennel with Basil

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring so nothing browns too quickly. This is when your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma and you lay the foundation of flavor for the whole dish.

Step 2: Add and Soften the Fennel

Next, tumble in the sliced fennel bulbs. Give everything a good toss to coat the fennel in the oniony-garlic goodness. Cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch as the fennel softens a bit and its edges take on a slight golden color—this step unlocks its natural sweetness.

Step 3: Braise with Broth and Lemon

Now, pour in the broth and fresh lemon juice, then season with a generous pinch of salt and a few cracks of fresh black pepper. Stir well, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it all simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes until the fennel becomes meltingly tender but still holds its shape.

Step 4: Reduce the Liquid

Once the fennel is tender, remove the lid and turn up the heat just a bit. Let the mixture cook for another five minutes (uncovered), so the braising liquid can thicken slightly. This concentrates the citrusy, savory flavors and ensures every slice of fennel is glazed in deliciousness.

Step 5: Stir in the Fresh Basil

With the skillet off the heat, sprinkle in all that fragrant, chopped basil. The residual heat wilts the leaves just enough, releasing their aroma without muting their brightness. Gently toss to combine and your Braised Fennel with Basil is ready to serve!

How to Serve Braised Fennel with Basil

Garnishes

A sprinkle of feathery fennel fronds or a few extra ribbons of fresh basil scattered on top will instantly brighten your platter and add an extra-herbal zing. If you want even more vibrancy, try a little lemon zest or a drizzle of your best olive oil right before serving.

Side Dishes

Braised Fennel with Basil is an adaptable companion to so many main dishes. Let it cozy up next to roasted salmon, herbed chicken, or a simple steak. For a plant-based feast, serve it with a chickpea salad, grilled vegetables, or creamy polenta to soak up every bit of that basil-infused braising liquid.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive starter, spoon the warm fennel onto toasted baguette slices, or layer it inside a savory tart shell. If you love color, pair it with roasted tomatoes or bright, crunchy greens. And don’t forget: served cold or at room temperature, Braised Fennel with Basil becomes a brilliant salad component!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Transfer any remaining Braised Fennel with Basil to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy lunches.

Freezing

While fennel’s texture is best when freshly prepared, you can freeze Braised Fennel with Basil if needed. Let the dish cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to a month. Be aware that the fennel may soften a little more upon thawing, but the herbaceous flavors remain lovely.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the fennel gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Stir in a bit of fresh basil at the end to revive that aromatic, just-cooked freshness.

FAQs

Can I make Braised Fennel with Basil ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can braise the fennel a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat and add a bit of fresh basil to liven up the flavors.

What’s the best way to cut fennel for this recipe?

Trim away the stalks and fronds (save some for garnish), then slice the bulb lengthwise into wedges or half-moons. Aim for pieces about ½ inch thick so they hold together through braising but become wonderfully tender.

Can I substitute dried basil if I don’t have fresh?

While fresh basil is best for its aroma and vibrant color, you can use a teaspoon of dried basil in a pinch. Toss it into the pot with the broth for a deeper, infused flavor, but fresh basil at the end is what really makes this dish shine!

Is Braised Fennel with Basil vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan if you use vegetable broth, and it’s also gluten-free. It fits beautifully into a variety of dietary preferences without sacrificing any flavor.

What proteins pair well with Braised Fennel with Basil?

This dish is a dream with everything from roasted chicken to grilled fish, but don’t overlook hearty plant-based proteins like crispy chickpeas, white beans, or baked tofu for a well-rounded meal.

Final Thoughts

Braised Fennel with Basil is that rare side dish that feels both elegant and totally effortless. If you’re ready to fall for fennel’s unique charm, gather up these simple ingredients and let your kitchen fill with Mediterranean inspiration—your dinner guests (or your tastebuds) will absolutely thank you!

Braised Fennel with Basil Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the delightful combination of braised fennel with fresh basil in this Mediterranean-inspired side dish. Tender fennel bulbs are cooked in a flavorful broth until perfectly soft, then finished with a touch of zesty lemon and aromatic basil.