Sautéed Fennel With Garlic And Parsley

1. Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until lightly colored, about 1 minute. Add fennel strips and toss to coat with oil. Cook, stirring often, until fennel has softened considerably but still offers some resistance when poked with paring knife, about 15 minutes.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1 tablespoon minced fronds and parsley. Serve immediately.

TWO WAYS TO PREPARE FENNEL

FOR FANS
Slice trimmed bulb lengthwise through base into 1⁄2-inch-thick pieces that resemble fans.

FOR STRIPS
1. Cut trimmed bulb in half through base. Using small, sharp knife, remove pyramid-shaped core.
2. Lay cored fennel half on work surface cut side down. With knife parallel to work surface, cut in half crosswise. Then cut lengthwise into 1⁄2-inch-thick strips.