Why do they put fennel in sausage?

Fennel is a key ingredient in sausage due to its unique flavor profile that perfectly complements the rich taste of the meat .

What brand of Italian sausage has fennel?

Rinaldi Fennel Sausage , commonly referred to as sweet Italian, is your traditional Italian sausage. The notes of anise derive from the use of ground fennel seed mixed with just the right amount of salt and pepper to achieve the traditional flavors of southern Italy.

Why do chefs use fennel so much?

Though often overlooked by home cooks, this versatile ingredient is beloved by chefs for its pleasantly sweet, fresh flavor and mild aromatic character.

What is the most popular sausage?

One of the most popular types of sausages, Bratwurst can be made of various meat, from pork, veal, or beef. It usually includes seasoning and spices, making it extra delicious and fragrant to eat. Whether grilled, steamed, broiled or cooked, this German sausage is a winner for many.

How long to cook sausage in the oven?

Sausages can also be baked in the oven (a good method to use if you're cooking something else in the oven). Preheat the oven to 190°C, gas mark 5. Place the sausages on a baking tray and cook for 20-25 minutes , until thoroughly cooked, turning halfway through the cooking time.

Does Italian sausage always have fennel?

Every processed meat product has a traditional product characteristic. Traditionally, Italian sausage contains fennel and black pepper . Typically the black pepper used in Italian sausage is a coarser particle size than you find in fresh pork sausage. Fennel is the spice that gives Italian sausage its Italian flavor.

What flavor does fennel add?

Fennel has a very mild anise or licorice flavor that can be enhanced or sweetened depending on how it is cooked (or not cooked). When diced and sauteed with onions as one of the first steps when making a soup or stew, fennel becomes very sweet.

Why do Italians eat fennel?

For example, Italians often eat fennel raw at the end of a meal, saying it helps with digestion and cleansing .

What is the white stuff in Italian sausage?

It is a penicillin-based mold similar to the white mold you will find on a fine cheese like a French Brie or Camembert. It's a natural part of the fermentation process of producing artisanal salumi, and the salami mold has its own flavor and flora.

Roasted Sausage with Broccoli and Fennel Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Make Ahead

by: EmilyC

January11,2014

4.4

17 Ratings

Roasted Sausage with Broccoli and Fennel Recipe on Food52 (1)

Prep time 15 minutes
Cook time 25 minutes
Serves 4

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

This year, one of my main resolutions in the kitchen is to find or come up with more weeknight recipes that are truly manageable and satisfying. I'm still trying to learn how to keep things simple during the week. Many of the recipes out there labeled as “Quick! Easy! Delicious!” don’t come close to meeting those expectations. We all know that feeling of walking in the door after a long day and not knowing what to make -- or being overwhelmed by a lot of dinner prep. I came up with this recipe with these things in mind. It requires just a few minutes of hands-on time (with the oven doing the rest of the work), and the combination of roasted sausage, broccoli, and fennel is pretty hard to beat. A few details make this dish really good: nestling small pieces of sausage among the broccoli and fennel ensures that everything is done at the same time, and tossing everything with a tangy, lemony mustard sauce ups the flavor substantially. Though no sides are needed, some crusty bread, polenta, or a leafy green salad would make fine accompaniments. Avocado is also a swell companion. —EmilyC

Test Kitchen Notes

EmilyC's mix of broccoli, fennel, and sausage makes for an especially quick and easy supper while also hitting all the flavor, color, and texture notes a cook or eater could ask for. Our family likes broccoli stalks as much as florets, so I added those as well -- peeled and sliced into thick coins. The whole-grain mustard is a smart addition that adds a friendly kick, and I used spicy sausage, so just the slightest dash of cayenne was all I needed. Garnished with fennel fronds, it is beautiful as well as scrumptious. —calendargirl

Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients

12 ounces(about 3 or 4 links) good-quality pork sausage, removed from casings and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
2 small heads of broccoli, cut into small florets
1 medium fennel bulb, trimmed, cored, and cut into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoonsolive oil
2 teaspoonswhole-grain mustard
Finely grated zest and one 1 teaspoon of juice from 1 small lemon
¹/₂ teaspoonAleppo pepper, or a lesser amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne (omit if you're using spicy sausage)

Directions

Heat oven to 425° F.
Combine broccoli florets and sliced fennel in a shallow casserole or baking dish. You want them to fit snugly in a single, even layer. Season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, whole-grain mustard, lemon juice and zest, and Aleppo pepper. Add to broccoli and fennel and toss well to coat evenly. Nestle the pieces of sausage among the broccoli and fennel.
Roast for about 20 minutes, or until the broccoli and fennel are tender and the sausage is no longer pink. For extra security, you can toss about halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Optional but highly recommended: Heat broiler, and place the pan under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp the sausage and slightly char the broccoli and fennel in spots.
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tags:

American
Pork
Vegetable
Broccoli
Fennel
Mustard
Sausage
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Recipe by: EmilyC

I'm a home cook. I love salads. Two things you'll always find in my refrigerator are lemons and butter, and in my pantry good quality chocolate and the makings for chocolate chip cookies.

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83 Reviews

FrugalCat December 2, 2022

So good! Served it with a simple side of plain pasta.

Jennifer N. November 22, 2022

Just on simplicity this is 5 stars, but the flavor is great. Perfect for a weeknight and delish too.