Caramelized Fennel, Marcona Almonds, Navel Orange Confit, Caraway Seeds, and Fennel Puree

Fennel

• 2 medium fennel bulbs
• 8 baby fennel bulbs or very small fennel bulbs
• 50 grams

Fennel cooked sous vide epitomizes the advantages of using this technique for vegetables. Placed in the bag with some tarragon and Pernod, it absorbs flavor without giving up any of its own to the cooking medium—as would happen if it were braised. Its shape means that the broad base and thick stalks may not be fully cooked by the time its more slender ends are—i.e., it’s easy to overcook and un