Nothing says summer like fennel! The aniseed-like flavour perfectly pairs with the fish in this dish. A true seasonal hero!
The quantities provided above are averages only.
Always refer to the product label for the most accurate information about ingredients and allergens
½ piece
Red onion
1 piece
Garlic
½ piece
Fennel
½ piece
Courgette
75 g
Risotto rice
1 piece
Salmon fillet
(Contains: Vis)
25 g
Grated Gouda
(Contains: Melk (inclusief lactose))
¼ piece
Lemon
1.5 tablespoon
White wine vinegar
½ tablespoon
[Plant-based] butter
1 teaspoon
Sugar
¾ tablespoon
Olive oil
350 milliliters
Low sodium vegetable stock
to taste
Salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 200°C and prepare the stock. Thinly slice the courgette and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, then drizzle lightly with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then roast in the oven for 18 - 20 minutes. Quarter the fennel and remove the tough core, then chop the fennel into thin strips. Set aside any fennel fronds to use later as garnish.
Chop the onion and crush or mince the garlic. Melt a knob of butter in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the onion with three-quarters of the fennel for 4 - 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl combine the rest of the fennel with the sugar and two-thirds of the white wine vinegar. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside, stirring occasionally.
Add the garlic and the risotto rice to the pan and toast the grains for 2 minutes over low heat. Deglaze with the rest of the white wine vinegar, then pour in a third of the stock and allow to slowly incorporate, stirring regularly.
Repeat with the rest of the stock, adding it in two more batches. The risotto is done when the rice is soft but still al dente. This should take around 25 - 30 minutes. Add extra water and cook longer if you'd prefer the risotto to be less al dente.
Check the courgette (see Tip). Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon dry with kitchen paper and season with salt and pepper. Fry the salmon for 2 - 3 minutes on its skin, then flip and fry for 1 - 2 minutes on the other side. Meanwhile, zest the lemon and then cut it into wedges.
Tip: if it's already done, turn off the oven and keep the courgette warm until serving.
Stir the courgette into the risotto, along with half of the grated cheese and half a teaspoon of lemon zest per person. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the risotto on deep plates and top with the salmon. Squeeze a lemon wedge over each portion and garnish with the rest of the cheese, along with any fennel fronds. Serve the fennel salad alongside.