Braised Fennel & Pear

Ingredients:

2 fennel bulbs, not cored and sliced ½” wide from stem to end

2 pears, cored and quartered 

2 cups broth, chicken or vegetable

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 sprigs thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme

2 Tbsp white wine or lemon juice 

1 clove garlic, crushed

Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil on medium heat in wide saucepan with at least 2” deep sides 

2. Sear fennel on both sides

3. Add lemon juice or white wine to deglaze pan

4. Add pears, garlic clove and thyme with broth and  bring to a simmer

5. Cook until fennel is soft and easy to pierce with a fork and the broth has reduced by ⅓

6. Serve warm over rice or as a side dish