Fennels, even if they have so many healthy characteristic, are less known and used than other winter vegetables.

Many times confused with fennel seeds, which are another plant , fennels would have to be eaten more .Thinly sliced raw fennels have a good flavor  served by themselves or add a crunchy texture to salads. 

In Winter it’s very nice to serve them cooked and the 

Finocchi Gratinati con Arance e Olive (Grated Fennels w.Oranges and Olives) 

are one of the many  dishes you can realize  with them.

2 Fennels – 1 Orange – 3 tbsp Breadcrumbs – 3 tbsp Parmigiano cheese

Salt to taste – 20 Black olives (without stone) – Pepper as needed – 1 glass Milk

Take the fennels, eliminate the part above and below.

Cut them in Half and then in slices.Wash the cut fennels thoroughly under running water.

Put the fennel in a bowl, pour the milk and move them a little to wet them all well.

Cut the orange in half, squeeze one part to obtain the juice, cut the other into slices.

Take a baking dish, lined with parchment paper.

Pour a drizzle of oil on the baking paper,  then the fennels on top.

Add the breadcrumbs, half of the Parmigiano cheese, salt to taste, pepper and the juice of half an orange.

Add the orange slices and the olives, to finish pour the remaining Parmesan on top and bake in a preheated oven at 180 ° /350F°for about 25 minutes.

Once cooked, serve them hot with the crust, but they are also delicious cold.

Serve with chopped parsley on top.