Pickled Fennel Recipe – Crisp, Tangy & Refreshing! 🌿🥒
Description
Pickled fennel is a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that enhances salads, sandwiches, seafood, and charcuterie boards. The natural licorice-like flavor of fennel is softened by a delicate balance of vinegar, sugar, and spices, creating a crunchy, refreshing bite. This easy recipe requires minimal effort and lasts for weeks in the fridge!
Ingredients
For the Pickling Brine:
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a fruitier taste)
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar (or honey for a natural alternative)
- 1 tsp salt
For the Fennel:
- 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced (save some fronds for garnish)
- ½ tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp fennel seeds (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 small garlic clove, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fennel
- Cut off the fennel stalks and fronds. Save some fronds for garnish.
- Slice the fennel bulb very thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform pieces.
Step 2: Make the Pickling Brine
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Pack the Jar
- Place sliced fennel into a clean glass jar (a pint-sized mason jar works well).
- Add peppercorns, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, and garlic to the jar.
Step 4: Pour & Pickle
- Pour the warm pickling brine over the fennel, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Let it cool to room temperature, then seal the jar and refrigerate.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Develop
- For the best flavor, let the fennel pickle for at least 24 hours before eating.
Notes & Tips
✔ Quick Pickling: You can eat it in as little as 30 minutes, but the flavor deepens overnight.
✔ Storage: Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
✔ Sweeter Pickle? Add an extra tablespoon of sugar or honey.
✔ More Tart? Use a higher vinegar-to-water ratio.
✔ Best Uses: Enjoy on sandwiches, salads, grilled fish, tacos, or cheese platters.
Servings
Makes 1 pint jar (about 6-8 servings)
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – ¼ cup)
- Calories: ~15
- Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g (from natural fennel & brine)
Health Benefits
✅ Rich in Antioxidants – Fennel contains Vitamin C and polyphenols.
✅ Aids Digestion – Fennel is known for its digestive-soothing properties.
✅ Low-Calorie & Low-Sugar – A healthy, guilt-free condiment.
✅ Gut-Friendly – Pickled foods help support gut health.
Q&A
❓ How long does pickled fennel last?
✔ Stored in the fridge, it stays fresh for 2-3 weeks.
❓ Can I use a different vinegar?
✔ Yes! Apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or rice vinegar all work well.
❓ What dishes pair well with pickled fennel?
✔ Try it on bagels with smoked salmon, grilled meats, fresh salads, or even in a Bloody Mary!
❓ Can I make this without sugar?
✔ Yes! Just omit the sugar, or substitute with monk fruit or stevia for a sugar-free option.
This Pickled Fennel is a delicious, crunchy, and versatile condiment that adds brightness to any dish. Try it and let me know how you like it! 🌿😊