Author Notes
Vermicelli with Fennel Sauce. In Italy, fennel is used as a vegetable (in fact, Italians are the largest consumers of fennel in the world), and is revered for its digestive properties, as well as other health-promoting properties (in ancient Rome, it was even considered an aphrodisiac). This recipe originally appeared in my cookbook, "What, No Meat? Traditional Italian Cooking the Vegetarian Way." —MizChef
Ingredients
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1 pound
vermicelli
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1 tablespoon
salt + 2 teaspoons
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1/2 cup
olive oil
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1 cup
sliced scallions
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2
large garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup
thinly sliced fresh fennel
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1 pound
fresh plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
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1 cup
frozen peas, thawed
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1 teaspoon
crushed fennel seeds (see TIP)
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6
large fresh basil leaves
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2 tablespoons
chopped Italian parsley
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1 tablespoon
minced fresh sage or 1 teaspoon dried sage
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Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
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Grated parmigiano or pecorino romano
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the vermicelli and 1 tablespoon of the salt and cook, stirring often, until it is al dente, about 6 to 8 minutes.
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Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large pan. Add the scallions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until it is soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Toss in the fresh fennel and sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and cook about 5 minutes. Add the peas, fennel seeds, basil, parsley, sage, remaining salt, pepper, and ½ cup water; stir and continue cooking until the liquid is reduced, about 6 to 8 minutes. Simmer on low until the pasta is cooked.
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When the vermicelli is cooked, drain well and transfer it to a serving bowl. Pour the fennel sauce over it and mix well.
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OPTIONAL:
Sprinkle Grated parmigiano or pecorino romano on top.
Use the fennel leaves for garnish.
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TIP:
To crush the fennel seeds, use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder on a coarse setting. Or, place the seeds on a cutting board, lay the blade of a knife flat down on the seeds and press firmly with your hand. Alternatively, you can roll a rolling pin or other heavy object over them. The seeds do not have to be completely pulverized.
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