Skip to main content

Fennel-Scented Mashed Potatoes

4.2

(3)

Both fresh fennel and fennel seeds flavor this creamy mash of Yukon Golds. It can be made eight hours ahead and rewarmed.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

4 medium-size fresh fennel bulbs (about 2 pounds), trimmed, cored, bulbs coarsely chopped, fronds chopped and reserved
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup (or more) half and half
2 teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed in resealable plastic bag with meat mallet
1 1/2 teaspoons dried tarragon
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Add fennel bulbs; cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add potatoes and boil gently until fennel and potatoes are very tender, about 25 minutes.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup half and half, fennel seeds, and tarragon in small saucepan; bring to simmer. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.

    Step 3

    Drain potato mixture; return to pot. Stir over medium heat until any excess liquid evaporates, about 2 minutes. Add hot half and half mixture and butter and mash until vegetables are almost smooth (small fennel bits may still remain). Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 8 hours ahead; cover and chill. Rewarm covered with plastic wrap in microwave, stirring occasionally and thinning with more half and half, if desired.)

    Step 4

    Transfer mashed potato mixture to bowl. Sprinkle with reserved chopped fennel fronds and serve.

Read More
Like Greek lemon potatoes and gochujang chicken stir-fry.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Thinly sliced and cooked hot and fast, pork tenderloin is the juicy, cook-quicking weeknight champion of this vegetable-heavy stir-fry.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Add a bag of potato chips and you've got yourself a party.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.