Photo by: Monica Buck
Fennel, also called sweet anise or finocchio, is crunchy and has a lovely anisey flavor. It has three distinct parts: the stalks, the feathery fronds (which can be used as an herb), and the pale green bulbs. Comice pears are large and very sweet and juicy. Together they make a perfect seasonal first course.
Sunset OCTOBER 2006
Trim base and stalks from fennel bulbs, reserving a few leaves for garnish. Coarsely chop bulbs.
In a medium pan, combine chopped fennel, onion, butter, and 2 tbsp. water; cover and cook over medium-high heat until vegetables are limp, 5 to 7 minutes. Add pears and chicken broth; cover and simmer until pears are soft, about 5 minutes. Purée the mixture in a blender, in batches if necessary.
Return soup to pan to reheat. If it's too thick, add a little more broth. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fennel fronds and freshly ground black pepper.
Go to full version of
Fennel and Comice Pear Soup recipe
