Fennel

The recipe was shared with us by Mirko Zago, chef of the Onest and Aist restaurants.

Recipe taken from the magazine "1000 tips for the cook.

Celery and fennel salad is the quintessence of freshness and lightness. Inspired by European cuisine, it combines crunchy celery, delicate fennel aroma, and a light sharpness of white onion. These ingredients soaked in icy water gain amazing crispness, while the dressing of white wine vinegar and olive oil deepens their flavor. This salad is perfect as a side dish for fish dishes, as its refreshing character beautifully highlights the sea notes. It is harmonious, light, and healthy, making the meal both tasty and balanced.

Recipe for the O2 festival menu by the chef of the Nordic restaurant.

Salmon with potatoes and spices is a dish that embodies the harmony of fresh gifts from nature. In Russian cuisine, fish holds a special place, and the combination of salmon with aromatic herbs and vegetables makes this dish tender and rich. Baked on a bed of potatoes and fennel, the salmon acquires a soft texture and subtle spicy notes, while lemon slices add a tangy zest. This dish is perfect for both a cozy family dinner and a festive feast. Serving it with greens and a glass of white wine will highlight its sophistication and nobility.

Sea pies are a culinary journey into the marine element. This recipe comes from Russian cuisine, combining the tenderness of fish, the freshness of lemon, and the aroma of herbs. The crispy dough made from milk and eggs hides a juicy filling of white and red fish, shrimp, potatoes, and delicate creamy sauce. Fennel and green peas add piquant notes while lemon zest enhances the rich flavor of seafood. The pies are perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive feast. They are served warm to reveal all flavor nuances and paired with a light green salad or white wine for true gastronomic pleasure.

Lentil hummus with roasted peppers, zucchini caviar, and tahini is a true gastronomic journey into a world of harmonious flavors and textures. It combines the tenderness of lentils, the smoky aroma of roasted peppers, and the rich creamy structure of tahini. Fennel adds freshness while zucchini caviar brings light sweetness and depth of flavor. The dish was born from the search for new variations of traditional hummus, merging classic elements with unusual ingredients. Caramelized carrots serve not just as a garnish but as an intriguing contrast to the velvety hummus, creating a play of textures. This hummus is not just food but an art of taste that reveals new facets of familiar ingredients.

Autumn minestrone is a cozy dish of Italian cuisine that perfectly conveys the warmth and richness of the autumn season. Its history traces back to traditional village soups that used seasonal vegetables and available ingredients. The flavor of this minestrone is rich, layered, and warming—a combination of tender beans, aromatic bacon, fragrant herbs, and fresh vegetables creates harmony in every spoonful. The addition of red wine and parmesan gives the soup a noble depth. Autumn minestrone is perfect for cozy home evenings when served with pieces of fresh bread. It is not only nutritious but also embodies the philosophy of Italian cuisine—simplicity, seasonality, and richness of flavor that make it a beloved dish for family lunches.

Spring minestrone is the embodiment of Italian culinary refinement and freshness. This vibrant soup originated in the rural areas of Italy, where seasonal vegetables formed the basis of simple yet rich flavors. The combination of fennel, asparagus, cauliflower, and fresh basil creates a delicate, aromatic broth that fills the kitchen with spring notes. The light sweetness of plum tomatoes balances with the spiciness of garlic, while the firm pieces of spaghetti provide textural variety. The finishing touch is a spoonful of pesto that adds a rich, herbal note to the soup. This dish is perfect for both a light lunch and a cozy dinner. Spring minestrone is not just a soup but a celebration of seasonal ingredients that can warm the soul and fill the heart with the warmth of the Italian sun.

Seafood risotto with cherry tomatoes is a true embodiment of Italian gastronomic magic. This recipe combines the tenderness of mussels, clams, and squid with creamy Arborio rice infused with saffron aroma. Baked tomatoes, garlic, and rosemary add depth of flavor to the dish, introducing sweet-spicy notes. White wine lends sophistication to the rice, while butter and Parmesan provide a velvety texture. This dish not only delights with its taste but also represents a true work of art on the plate. It is best served freshly made to experience the richness of seafood and the warming warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

Rotolo is an unusual pasta dish. It takes a little longer to make than some other pastas, but it's worth it because it's a joy to eat - a real showpiece if you want to get attention .

Risotto with roasted tomatoes is the essence of Italian cuisine, combining simplicity and refined flavor. The origins of risotto trace back to the northern regions of Italy, where rice became the basis for many traditional dishes. In this recipe, juicy roasted tomatoes with fragrant garlic and thyme give the risotto a rich taste with subtle sweet-umami notes. Fennel adds freshness, while dry vermouth provides a light spiciness. The creamy texture is achieved by gradually adding broth and finishing with butter and parmesan. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, harmonizing beautifully with a glass of white wine and fresh bread.

Spaghetti with sardines is a vivid example of Mediterranean cuisine that combines the tenderness of pasta with the rich flavor of seafood. The dish originated in the coastal regions of Italy, where sardines are a popular fishing product. It is renowned for its freshness and balanced flavors: the sweetness of tomatoes, the spiciness of fennel, and the heat of chili pepper intertwine harmoniously. Lemon juice adds a light acidity, while ricotta provides creaminess. This is an ideal option for those wanting to try a traditional Italian combination without overloading the dish with complex ingredients. Serving with lemon wedges adds freshness, and spinach gives a pleasant texture. Spaghetti with sardines embodies simplicity and sophistication in one dish that can be enjoyed in family gatherings or dinner with friends.

This elegant salad combines freshness and rich flavors. Grilled artichokes add a light smoky note, green peas contribute sweetness, while fennel and cucumber refresh and provide crunch. Almonds add a pleasant nutty texture, and lemon juice with olive oil ties the ingredients into a harmonious composition. This dish hails from European cuisine, where simple yet refined flavor combinations are valued. The salad is perfect as a light appetizer or side dish to main courses. Its freshness makes it a great option for summer dinners or festive gatherings.

The chef of the Yura restaurant shared the recipe with us.