Ingredients

  • 2 medium fennel bulbs (sometimes called anise; 1 1/2 lb total), stalks cut off and discarded, and fronds reserved for garnish if desired
  • 1 1/2 lb large boiling potatoes
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 lb skinless cod fillet (1 inch thick), cut into 6 portions
  • Garnish: chopped fennel fronds or fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Accompaniment: lemon wedges
  • Special equipment: a Japanese Benriner* or other adjustable-blade slicer; a 3-quart shallow baking dish (2 inches deep)

Method

  • Preheat oven to 400F.
  • Cut fennel bulbs crosswise into 1/16-inch-thick slices with slicer.
  • Peel potatoes and cut crosswise into 1/16-inch-thick slices with slicer.
  • Transfer fennel and potatoes to baking dish and toss with garlic, salt, pepper, and 4 tablespoons oil.
  • Spread vegetables evenly in dish and bake, covered with foil, in middle of oven until just tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Season fish with salt and pepper and arrange on top of vegetables.
  • Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and bake, uncovered, until fish is just cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes.
  • Available at Asian markets, many cookware shops, and Uwajimaya (800-889-1928).