30/30 - #16 Caramelized Pancetta and Fennel Salad

Almost halfway through my Top 30 list! Hard to believe it is going by so fast...and that I am almost 30 years old!

Today's favorite is an oldie, but a goodie. This salad was an early recipe on Kettler Cuisine and one that I give credit to my mother. She first made this salad for the Hubby and I several years ago and it has been a frequent favorite ever since. People are always surprised when I recommend this recipe, questioning my affection for fennel. Unfortunately, this poor vegetable has a bad rep, always being associated with anise and licorice flavors. Surprisingly, fennel takes on a whole new flavor profile once it is cooked and pairs very well with the brown sugar and salty pancetta. But don't take my word for it, try it yourself!!

You can find the recipe for Caramelized Pancetta and Fennel Salad here.

Caramelized Pancetta and Fennel Salad

It has been one month since I started this blog and if you are a frequent follower, then you have probably learned a few things about my cooking style in the Kettler household:

1. I like to add pork products to vegetable dishes so Ryan will like them better (example, red cabbage and this salad).

2. I am not scared to use any of the wide spectrum of seasonal vegetables

3. I love making salads (Moroccan salad, Chef salad, Kale Salad)

4. I will scavenge the fridge and pantry to come up with a dish or recipe that suits our palette (whether it works or not, is up to Ryan)!!

This recipe fits all the aforementioned criteria. I first made this salad several years ago, when I was not very familiar with fennel. I was skeptical because raw fennel has a licorice or anise scent and flavor, which is not my favorite. However, I discovered by roasting it, the vegetable actually becomes sweet and savory at the same time. Pairing this with a buttery pancetta, makes a mundane vegetable insane!

This is now a staple in our household and made quite often for guests and on a random Monday night. I try to get the fresh thick slices of pancetta from the deli, but sometimes you just got to save on time and Trader Joe's enticed me with this ready-made package!