Roasted Fennel and Cherry Tomato Sauce

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 20 min

Total Time: 30 min

Servings: 1 3/4 Cups

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tbsp Filippo Berio Delicato Extra Virgin Olive Oil (approx.)
  • 1 large fennel bulb (bulb part only), sliced thinly into rings
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt

RECIPE DIRECTIONS

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • Brush 13- x 9-inch baking pan with olive oil. Add olive oil, fennel, cherry tomatoes, garlic, sugar and salt to pan; bake, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 25 minutes or just until vegetables have softened.

     

    Tips:

    • Stir in 1 tbsp of minced capers at the end of the cooking time to give the sauce a nice sweet-and-sour taste. Two tbsp of fresh thyme stirred into the sauce is another refreshing variation.
    • This makes a delicious side dish to Cornish hens served with potatoes, or spooned over baked fish.
    • Toss this sauce with 3/4 lb spaghetti or a short-cut macaroni, such as ziti or penne.
    • The sauce also makes a terrific pizza topping.

     

    Recipe provided by Chef Mary Ann Esposito