Yield: 1 batch
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 medium | Onion(s), coarsely chopped |
| 1 medium | Onion(s), finely chopped |
| 4 \N | Garlic clove(s) coarsely chopped |
| 12 mediums | Plum tomatoes |
| ⅔ cup | Cilantro, coarsely chopped plus whole sprigs for garnish |
| 1 tablespoon | Olive oil |
| 1 medium | Fennel bulb trimmed, quartered cored and finely chopped |
| 1½ teaspoon | Salt |
1. Preheat the broiler. Scatter the chopped onion and garlic in a large roasting pan. Spread the tomatoes on top and broil for about 20 minutes, turning the tomatoes every 5 minutes, until lightly charred all over. Let cool.
2. Discard any large pieces of excessively charred skin from the tomatoes. Transfer the broiled vegetables to a blender or food processor, add the chopped cilantro and blend until smooth.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and the fennel and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until lightly browned and tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the pureed tomato and salt.
Food and Wine September 1995
Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 09-29-95