- Why did it go soft?
- You sliced it too thinly, or cooked it too long in the liquid. Only pour the hot liquid over it!
- How long does it keep?
- Kept in the fridge, it remains perfect for 2-3 weeks.
Pickled fennel with spices
Marinated fennel is the hidden gem of Mediterranean pantries. The natural aniseed notes of the fennel are tamed by the vinegar bath, resulting in a crunchy, refreshing pickle. This isn't the kind of pickle that overpowers the meal; rather, it's like a good conductor, highlighting the flavours of rich meats or smoked fish. The secret lies in the hot brine, which 'heat-treats' the vegetable just enough to keep it crunchy while absorbing the aromas.
Ingredients
500
g
Fresh fennel bulb
250
ml
White wine vinegar
250
ml
Water
20
g
Salt (iodine-free)
30
g
Sugar
2
cloves
Garlic
5
g
Whole black peppercorns
2
Bay leaves
5
g
Fennel seeds
3
g
Chilli flakes
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Sterilised preserving jar
- Mandoline (slicer) or sharp knife
- Saucepan
Instructions
1
✓
Clean the fennel: cut off the stalks (keep the fronds for garnish) and the base. Slice hair-thin.
Tip: Use a mandoline for uniform thickness. Uniform slices 'cook' simultaneously in the marinade.
2
✓
In a dry frying pan, toast the fennel seeds and peppercorns over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Tip: Heat releases the essential oils, creating a more intense flavour.
3
✓
Prepare the brine: boil the water, vinegar, salt, sugar, and toasted spices together until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
Tip: Taste the liquid! It should be saltier and sourer than you want the final result to be, as the vegetable will release water.
4
✓
Pack the sliced fennel into the sterilised jar, tucking garlic, bay leaves, and chilli in between.
Tip: Don't pack too tightly, so the liquid can penetrate everywhere.
5
✓
Pour the hot liquid over the vegetables, ensuring they are completely covered. Tap the jar on the table to release air bubbles.
Tip: To avoid oxidation, it is important that no air remains among the vegetables.
6
✓
Seal, let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours before consumption.
Tip: This time is needed for osmosis: flavours exchange between the cell sap and the brine.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh fennel bulb
- 250 ml White wine vinegar
- 250 ml Water
- 20 g Salt (iodine-free)
- 30 g Sugar
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 5 g Whole black peppercorns
- 2 Bay leaves
- 5 g Fennel seeds
- 3 g Chilli flakes