Sherry & orange caramelised fennel with goat’s curd

Method

• step 1

  Trim the tips of the fennel bulbs, removing any little feathery fronds (keep these for later). Quarter the bulb lengthways and remove the coarse outer leaves, then cut each piece in half again lengthways.

• step 2

  Melt the butter in a large frying pan and add the olive oil. Cook the fennel wedges over a medium-high heat for 2 mins each side or until they’re golden – keep moving them around the pan so you get an even colouring. Add 125ml sherry and the fennel seeds, then lower the heat and cover the pan. Cook the fennel for about 7 mins, then add the orange juice and cook, uncovered, for a further 7 mins or until the fennel is tender but not collapsing (the wedges should keep their shape). Turn the heat up and cook until the juices have almost completely disappeared.

• step 3

  Add the sugar to the pan and cook for about 30 secs, turning the fennel wedges over, or until slightly caramelised. Add the orange zest along with the remaining sherry. Season and cook, turning the wedges, until the sherry has reduced and the wedges are coated and glossy, but not too dark.

• step 4

  Put the fennel on a serving plate and dot teaspoons of goat’s curd around it. Sprinkle with the hazelnuts and top with the reserved fennel fronds to serve.