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–+ servings
Fennel and Saffron Butter Sauce

Fennel and Saffron Butter Sauce

Elenor Craig
This luxurious Fennel and Saffron Butter Sauce is a delicate and aromatic addition to your culinary repertoire. Inspired by the warm, floral notes of saffron and the gentle anise essence of fennel, this sauce elevates seafood, poultry, or even roasted vegetables to a fine dining experience. The luscious butter base ensures a velvety mouthfeel, making it a decadent yet approachable dish for any home cook.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine French
Servings 4 portions
Calories 279 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 small bulb fennel finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ teaspoon saffron threads lightly crushed
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced fennel and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any caramelized bits. Allow the wine to simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Stir in the saffron threads and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens slightly.
  • Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a rich, glossy finish.
  • Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to ensure a smooth texture, if desired.
  • Serve warm over seared scallops, grilled fish, or roasted chicken for an elegant touch.

Notes

  • For a deeper fennel flavor, use fennel fronds as a garnish.
  • If a lighter version is desired, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • For a bold twist, add a splash of Pernod or pastis to intensify the anise notes.

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 164mgPotassium: 89mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1051IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 0.2mg
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