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Caramelized Fennel, Tomato & Butter Bean Skillet

5 from 6 reader reviews
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 2 -4
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Ingredients

  • ¼ cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium shallots, small dice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 fennel bulbs, cores removed and sliced (about 600 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 lb (454 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup vegetable stock, plus extra
  • 1 ¾ cups cooked/canned butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Tamari soy sauce

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, parsley, lemon zest, and some salt and pepper. Toss to combine and set aside.
  • Place a large, deep skillet or braiser on the stove over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and swirl it around. Add the shallots and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, coriander and bay leaf and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add the sliced fennel and lower the heat to medium low. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking the fennel until it is soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes. If the fennel is browning too fast, add splashes of water.
  • Once fennel is tender and caramelized, add the tomato paste and return heat to medium. Stir for 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes and stir. Season again with salt and pepper. Once the cherry tomatoes let off some juices and start bubbling, simmer for 5 minutes. Then, add the vegetable stock and butter beans to the skillet and stir.
  • Simmer the fennel, tomato, and butter bean mixture for 10 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly thickened. Add more vegetable stock if necessary to loosen up the consistency. Stir in the lemon juice and Tamari and check the dish for seasoning. Adjust the seasoning if necessary before topping with the walnut and parsley mixture. Enjoy hot with crusty bread.

Recipe Notes

  • Chop up some toasted pumpkin seeds for the topping if you have a walnut allergy!
A wholesome and simple comfort dish, this tomato and butter bean skillet with tender slices of caramelized fennel features simple ingredients that all come together in one pan. Perfect with crusty bread for dinner.