Edible Paradise

INGREDIENTS:

4 medium fennel bulbs, cored and thickly sliced
5 teaspoons canola oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, plus 1 sprig
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
4 turkey cutlets, 1/4 inch thick (1 pound)
1 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth, or water
1 teaspoon cornstarch

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Toss fennel, 3 teaspoons oil, chopped thyme and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Spread vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring twice, until tender and golden, about 25 minutes.

While fennel is roasting, sprinkle both sides of turkey with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned, 1 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Add pomegranate juice and thyme sprig to the pan; bring to a boil. Bring to a boil, stirring often, until mixture is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 6 to 10 minutes. Discard the thyme.

Whisk together chicken broth (or water) and cornstarch; add to the reduced pomegranate juice and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 15 seconds. Reduce heat to medium, return the turkey and any accumulated juices to the pan, turning to coat with sauce, and cook for 1 minute.

To serve, top roasted fennel with turkey cutlet and sauce.

YIELD: 4 servings

SOURCE: Recipe from Eating Well, November/December 2007