For3 or 4 persons, depending on the size of the finocchio
                    
                
                
             
            
                
                    
                    FROM THE CLASSIC ITALIAN COOK BOOK BY MARCELLA HAZAN
                
            
            
                
                
                
    
      
          
          
          
              
              
              
          
          
          
          
          
              
              
              October 2008
            
          
          
      
  
                
                
            
            
            
                When finocchi is eaten alone, as it is here, neither vinegar nor lemon is used in the dressing.
            
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                
                                    
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                                            1
                                            
                                            medium squat, bulbous finocchio
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
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                                            Salt
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
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                                            Olive oil
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
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                                            Freshly ground pepper
                                            
                                        
 
                                    
                                
                            
                         
                    
                 
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            
                                
                                
                                
                                    
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Cut off the tops of the finocchio and remove any bruised, discolored, or wilted outside stalk.
                                         
                                    
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Cut off about 1/8 inch or less from the base; then cut the finocchio horizontally into the thinnest possible slices. (The slices will be in the form of rings, some half, some whole.)
                                         
                                    
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Wash the finocchi slices thoroughly in cold water, then dry them well in a towel. Toss in a salad bowl with salt, an abundant quantity of oil, and a liberal grinding of pepper.
                                         
                                    
                                
                             
                        
                    
                    Menu suggestions A salad of finocchio is ideal after any substantial meat dish and is especially appropriate after roast pork.