CREAMY CELERY & FENNEL GRATIN

 

Serves 6

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

 

This is completely moreish and the topping is wonderful!

 

Ingredients:

 

2 Celery Heads, trimmed and sliced

2 Fennel, washed and sliced

One large Spanish Onion, sliced

2-3 bay leaves

100g / 4 oz granary breadcrumbs

50g / 2 oz walnuts, roughly chopped

75 ml ' 2 1/2 fl oz white wine

250 ml / 9 fl oz vegetable stock

100 ml / 3 1/2 fl oz double cream

25g / 1 oz grated Parmesan Cheese

 

 

AND THIS IS WHAT YOU DO....

 

1. Thickly slice celery stalks and fennel, rinse and drain.
    

2. Melt the butter in a large frying pan then add the celery, fennel, onion and bay leaves.
    

3. Season, then cook for about 15 - 20 minutes.  Don't allow the vegetables to become too soft.  Stir to prevent sticking.
    

4. In a separate pan, melt some butter and add crumbs and walnuts, stirring gently until crisp and golden, set aside.
    

5. Heat the grill.
    

6. Now increase the hob heat containing the vegetables and add wine and stock and reduce by about two thirds.  
    

7. Then add the cream and cook for a few minutes to get a syrupy consistency.  Check for seasoning.
    

8. Tip into an ovenproof dish, place the breadcrumb mixture on top of the vegetables together with the Parmesan Cheese.
    

9. Place under the grill until you see it bubbling.  Stand for five minutes before serving.