Lemon and Herb Braised Fennel
A warm, comforting side dish of tender braised fennel cooked with fresh lemon juice and a touch of olive oil. Naturally soothing to the digestive tract and extremely easy to digest.
Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
20 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Megan + Lila
Megan created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthDigestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
15 min
Total
20 min
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The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Prep the fennel by cutting off the…
- 01
Prep the fennel by cutting off the…
Prep the fennel by cutting off the stalks and feathery fronds of the fennel bulb. Save a few green fronds for garnish later. Slice the bulb in half from top to bottom, then cut each half into 0.5 inch (1.2cm) wedges.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 02
Warm the olive oil in a small…
Warm the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Place the fennel wedges in the skillet…
Place the fennel wedges in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes until they start to develop a light golden color on one side.
Look for: they start to develop a light golden color on one side
Tap card to mark done - 04
Carefully pour the lemon juice and 3…
Carefully pour the lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of water into the skillet. Immediately cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
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Cook covered for 10 to 12 minutes
Cook covered for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fennel is completely tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Look for: the fennel is completely tender and easily pierced with a fork
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Remove the lid and let any excess…
Remove the lid and let any excess liquid simmer off for 1 minute.
Allow: 1 minute
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Transfer to a plate
Transfer to a plate, garnish with the reserved fennel fronds, and serve warm.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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