2025 Day 12

FENNEL SEED is native to Asia, the Mediterranean and India. It is used all over the world and has been for centuries. The seeds have a lovely liquorice flavour and are slightly sweet.

SUGGESTED USES: Try dry roasting fennel powder and mixing it with mayonnaise as a great alternative to tartar sauce. Fennel goes well with root vegetables, pork, and especially seafood.  

Fennel , Chili, and Tomato Sauce

• 4 large ripe tomatoes    
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 sliced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp cumin seed
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cut the tomatoes in half.Place them on a baking tray and sprinkle with cumin & fennel seeds. Drizzle with olive oil.Bake in the oven until the tomatoes are soft and the skins have blackened slightly.Cool the tomatoes before peeling and chopping.Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and add any remaining fennel or cumin, along with the garlic, onion and chili flakes. Cook for 5 minutes before adding the tomatoes and lower the heat. Allow the flavours to infuse for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. This is a wonderful pasta sauce. You can garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.