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Cider Braised Sausage and Fennel

Published: · Updated: by · 2 Comments

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Get ready for a mouthwatering Cider Braised Sausage and Fennel low carb recipe that you can whip up in a single skillet with ease.

Cider Braised Sausage and Fennel on a blue background and white plate
This Cider Braised Sausage and Fennel recipe is sponsored by our friends at Kiolbassa Smoked Meats.

We absolutely love fennel. It's one of our favorite side dishes, and with only 3.5 grams of carbs per cup, it's really a great keto-friendly vegetable. Multiple times per week, you can find us roasting it with fresh citrus, spicy peppers, and a good glug of olive oil. Roasted fennel pairs well with our favorite Roasted Garlic Smoked Sausage from Kiolbassa. It's just a match made in heaven.

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Chef's note

Don't be afraid to experiment with the flavors and aromatics in this recipe to suit your taste. For example, if you're looking for a Mediterranean twist, try adding dill, oregano, or fresh parsley.

These herbs really bring out the flavor of the fennel.
In addition, you can always opt for a different meat, like pork and chicken, or if you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can make this recipe with chickpeas.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients for this Keto Sausage Fennel recipe

  • 1 package Kiolbassa Roasted Garlic Smoked Sausages
  • 2 fennel bulbs cut into ½-inch thick slices
  • ¼ cup avocado oil divided
  • ½ cup dry hard apple cider
  • 1 lemon grated and juiced
  • ¼ cup sliced Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredient substitutions

  • Any type of sausage can be used: You can switch up the flavor of the dish by using your favorite types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or chicken sausage. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  • Use lean chicken or turkey instead of sausages: If you're looking for a leaner protein option, using chicken or turkey meat instead of sausages is a great choice. You can either use ground chicken or turkey, or you can dice chicken or turkey breasts into bite-sized pieces. For a distinctive taste, you can season the meat with Italian seasoning or garlic powder, or onion powder before searing. 
  • Celery sticks: Celery is a keto-friendly vegetable that can be used as an alternative to fennel. While it doesn't have the same licorice-like flavor as fennel, it still brings a satisfying crunch to the dish. Once roasted, celery sticks pair perfectly with the seared sausage, adding aromatic flavor and a slightly sweet taste that complements the other ingredients.
  • Lime zest: If you don't have any lemons on hand, you can use lime zest instead. The bright, citrusy flavor of lime zest is similar to lemon zest and will still complement the savory sausage and add a refreshing zing to the dish. Lime zest also pairs well with the anise-like flavor of fennel, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Additional ingredients

  • Use fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano: All these herbs will complement the sausage and fennel nicely.
  • Cloves garlic: Garlic is a classic flavor that pairs well with many ingredients, including sausage and fennel. It adds a pungent, slightly spicy taste to the dish that complements the other flavors.
  • Heavy cream: Adding heavy cream to the dish helps to create a creamy, decadent sauce that coats the fennel and sausage, giving it a rich and indulgent taste. The creaminess also helps to balance out the acidity from the lemon zest.
  • Fresh olive oil / extra virgin olive oil: Drizzling fresh or extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish brings a fruity, slightly peppery flavor that compliments the other ingredients. It also adds a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats to the meal.

Cooking tools required

To make this Sausage Fennel recipe

  • Cast Iron Skillet or Pan
  • Tongs
  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Baking Dish
  • Casserole Dish
  • Medium Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Tools substitute options

  • Any skillet or pan can be used instead of a cast iron skillet
  • A spatula can be used instead of tongs
  • Any sharp knife can be used instead of a chef's knife

How to make this Sausage and Fennel recipe: step-by-step guide

Fire up your stovetop and grab a cast-iron skillet - it's time to get cookin'!

  1. First, grab your trusty 10” or larger cast-iron skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is nice and hot, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of oil and watch it sizzle.
  2. Now, it's time to add the star of the dish - the sausages! Brown them for 3-4 minutes per side until they're beautifully browned and crispy. Once they're done, set them aside on a plate while you move on to the next step.
  3. Next up, it's time to add the remaining oil to the pan and watch it heat up to the perfect temperature. Working in batches, add the fennel to the pan in a single layer and brown for 3-4 minutes per side until they're golden and crispy. Once they're done, remove them from the pan and repeat with the remaining fennel. This step will give the fennel an extra boost of flavor and a buttery texture, which pairs perfectly with the juicy sausage.
  4. Now, it's time to bring it all together! Add all of the fennel and sausage back to the skillet, along with the dry hard apple cider, lemon rind, and juice. Give it a good stir and watch as the bright and aromatic flavors meld together to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 7 minutes. This step will give the fennel and sausage an extra boost of flavor and make them tender and juicy.
  5. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper, remove the solids with a slotted spoon, and place them on a serving tray. Bring it to a boil until it's thickened and delicious, which should take about 5 minutes.
  6. Finally, pour the sauce over the sausage and fennel, and top it off with some freshly sliced Parmesan cheese.

There you have it - a delicious, easy-to-follow recipe that will impress your family and friends.

How to make it healthier

  • Use organic or locally-sourced sausage for a healthier option: By choosing organic or locally-sourced sausage, you can support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint by buying locally. Look for sausage made from high-quality, lean meat with minimal added ingredients or preservatives.
  • Serve with a side of greens or a salad to increase vegetable intake: Adding a side of greens or a salad to the meal is a great way to increase your vegetable intake and make the dish even healthier. You can choose leafy greens like spinach, kale, or arugula or any mixed greens with a crunchy texture. You can also drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice over the salad to add some healthy fats and flavor.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-cooked or pre-packaged sausage: If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked or pre-packaged sausage instead of cooking it from scratch. Simply slice it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pan with the fennel to warm it up.
  • Use pre-cut fennel: Many grocery stores sell pre-cut fennel, saving you time and effort during prep. Look for fennel that's been trimmed and sliced, so you can add it directly to the pan without extra chopping or cutting.

What can i prepare ahead of time

  • Wash and slice the fennel bulbs: You can wash and cut the fennel bulbs ahead of time so they're ready to go when you start cooking. Store them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge until you're ready to use them.
  • Make the roasted garlic: If you plan on adding roasted garlic to the recipe, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it. Simply cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast it in the oven at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes, until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Let it cool, then squeeze out the garlic cloves and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Serving size suggestions

  • This recipe makes 4 servings, so adjust accordingly for more or fewer people.
  • For a complete meal, serve with fresh salad or a keto-friendly root vegetable. You can always choose a low-carb option like cauliflower or broccoli instead of a high-carb vegetable like potato or sweet potato.

Nutritional facts

  • Calories: 384
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g

Leftover storage

You can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on low heat to prevent overcooking the sausage and fennel.

When ready to eat, simply thaw the container in the fridge overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven on low heat.

The flavors of this dish are even more pronounced the next day, so don't be afraid to make a big batch and enjoy it as a leftover meal!

You can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.

Cider Braised Sausage and Fennel on a blue background and white plate

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Our delicious Cider Braised Sausage and Fennel recipe. This one-skillet wonder is bursting with flavor, thanks to the extra flavor boost from the Roasted Garlic Smoked Sausage.

What makes this recipe unique is the sweet and slightly licorice-like blend of flavors from the fennel and the bright flavors of fresh lemon juice and zest. Adding creamy Parmesan cheese takes this dish to the next level, creating a buttery flavor and creamy texture that will have you returning for seconds (or thirds).

This recipe incorporates healthy keto-friendly vegetables into your diet without sacrificing delicious taste. So give it a try, and let us know what you think!

Want to make this even better? Try adding a few roasted garlic cloves before serving.

LOOKING FOR OTHER RECIPES MADE WITH KIOLBASSA SMOKED MEATS DELICIOUS SAUSAGES AND CHORIZO? CHECK THESE OUT ↓

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📖 Recipe

Cider Braised Sausage and Fennel on a blue background and white plate

Cider Braised Sausage and Fennel

This easy low-carb recipe is the perfect skillet dinner!
5 from 3 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: kiolbassa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 451kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 package Kiolbassa Roasted Garlic Smoked Sausages
  • 2 fennel bulbs cut into ½ inch thick slices
  • ¼ cup avocado oil divided
  • ½ cup dry hard apple cider
  • 1 lemon grated and juiced
  • ¼ cup sliced Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Place a 10” or larger cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of oil and brown the sausages for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.
  • Add the remaining oil to the pan. When hot and working in batches, add the fennel to the pan in a single layer and brown for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and repeat with remaining fennel
  • Add all of the fennel and sausages back to the skillet along with the cider, lemon rind, and juice and bring to a boil. Bring to a simmer, covered, for about 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and remove the solids with a slotted spoon and place on a serving tray. Bring the sauce to a boil until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour the sauce over the sausage and fennel and top with parmesan to serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Cider Braised Sausage and Fennel
Amount Per Serving
Calories 451 Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 64mg21%
Sodium 863mg38%
Potassium 840mg24%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 20g40%
Vitamin A 212IU4%
Vitamin C 28mg34%
Calcium 159mg16%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brígida says

    5 stars
    Excellent. I used a mix of Italian fennel sausage and bratwursts.

    Reply

  2. Albertina says

    5 stars
    I tried it and it was very tasty. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.

    Reply

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