Caramelized Fennel is a delicious recipe that pairs well with many dishes. It's a bit sweet with a slight licorice taste. Serve it as a side dish to a main meal or use it to enhance any weeknight meal.
Prepare your fennel by trimming the bulb's top and bottom, removing the tough outer layer, and slicing thinly. You may want to remove the core; however, I don't bother. Peel your onion and slice thinly as well.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, followed by the fennel slices and onions. Stir well to combine and allow the vegetables to brown.
Adjust the heat to low and allow the fennel and onions to cook slowly for 30-40 minutes. (Add the sugar at this stage if using). Stir them every five minutes until they become golden brown. If you find the mixture is becoming dry, try adding a few tablespoons of water.
In the last five minutes of cooking, add the vinegar, salt and pepper and toss through the fennel mixture. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Make sure you use fresh fennel bulbs.
Cook the fennel slowly at low heat so that it cooks evenly without burning.