If you've ever spent time in Italy, you know that Italians are obsessed with digestion. It's why after their morning cappuccinos they use milk sparingly (if at all) in their espressos; it's why they begin each meal with an aperitivo and cap it off with an amaro. It's one explanation for why they eat so much fennel. The other reasons are simple: it's delicious, it's nutritious, it's everywhere. Stacked high at every market during the fall and winter months, it's hard not to buy fennel. After all, its anise aroma is delicate and nuanced, its appearance is elegant and understated, and its adaptability is infinite. Before winter's end, channel your inner Italian, take a (leisurely) walk to your local market, then go straight for the fennel. We'll do the rest. Here are 8 fennel recipes to put a spring in your otherwise-waning winter step.
Crispy Delicata Rings with Currant, Fennel & Apple Relish by TheWimpyVegetarian
![Crispy Delicata Rings with Currant, Fennel & Apple Relish](https://images.food52.com/dOgFLfxMDBESXbdLiSANtOugIoE=/ced2f110-80a3-49da-93ad-88fa026cb712--112210F_304.JPG)
Farro Risotto with Caramelized Apples and Fennel by meganvt01
![Farro Risotto with Caramelized Apples and Fennel](https://images.food52.com/hRxBizZPQ6pgiOoH-5ZlZUarQEQ=/86faf960-0056-4f3d-a6d0-a77c28062734--2013-1021_CP_farro-risotto-014-1.jpg)
Leek, Fennel and Mushroom Galette by Waverly
![Leek, Fennel and Mushroom Galette](https://images.food52.com/QIua53SgWNMr4TidB2H1iHm-2vs=/dc2decee-2db5-4a2c-8498-702d4e95d7af--food52-01-22-13-8460.jpg)
Freekeh Salad with Fennel and Mint by drbabs
![Freekah Salad with Fennel and Mint](https://images.food52.com/VVYa3XI3YupKhUgFaacISd1wHr8=/bf3ec6a9-d107-41b6-a058-5f6d4481f3f4--2013-0716_freekehlicious_wholegrain-freekeh_mid-021.jpg)
Orange-Fennel Mostarda by Elizabeth Rex
![Orange-Fennel Mostarda](https://images.food52.com/q1YvrI_7e073UnG73iPXYI_bTVc=/8306a7e2-e89c-48f8-9f94-5eb30302a5c6--mostarda.jpeg)
Thyme-Scented Fennel and Leek Soup by AntoniaJames
![Thyme-Scented Fennel and Leek Soup](https://images.food52.com/vpFugEGepQJb6zC22VqCOoUnQV0=/1b3efa73-ef09-476b-9c2a-2b4742be1480--20130419-fennel-soup-012.jpg)
Mussels with Fennel, Italian Sausage & Pernod by Aliwaks
![Mussels with Fennel, Italian Sausage & Pernod](https://images.food52.com/4HMAkgljGX-T53jEH1kdaSzu_Tk=/dfcac603-c66e-41ed-b554-3d5d3a8fa7a6--mussels.jpeg)
Rigatoni with Fennel and Veal Sausage by cristinasciarra
![Rigatoni with Fennel and Veal Sausage](https://images.food52.com/-h4twsk8vu9CBI90XI2DTZkqSGo=/fd72338d-a84d-455f-8504-24bfca4b2357--20130417-fennel-sausage-pasta-012-2.jpg)
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