2 medium or 1 large fennel bulb with fronds
450g carrots, quartered lengthwise
1 medium onion, quartered
1 garlic clove
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 1/2 cups chicken (or vegetable) stock
2 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
Preheat oven to 230°C with rack in lowest position. Chop enough fennel fronds to measure 1 tablespoon and reserve. Slice bulbs 1/4 inch thick and toss with carrots, onion, garlic, 3 tablespoons oil, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread in a 4-sided sheet pan and roast, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
Blend half of vegetables in a blender with stock until very smooth. Transfer to a medium saucepan. Repeat with remaining vegetables and water. Thin to desired consistency with extra water and simmer 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, finely grind fennel seeds in grinder and stir into remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Serve soup drizzled with fennel oil and sprinkled with reserved fronds.
Excellent service! The ability to choose what goes into my fortnightly 'build it yourself' box offers the flexibility from a veg box scheme I've been looking for.
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