Ingredient Challenge. How to cook with Fennel. I love finding foods that I would typically pass by in the grocery store. A friend of mine gave me a three ingredient challenge. I would like to share my first ingredient. #Fennel Nutty, sweet flavor reminiscent of licorice or aniseĀ and its strong, slightly sweet fragrance I learned to use Fennel Bulb in place of onion in my cooking. I am more on the Pitta side (fiery) So The fennel helps to calm the digestive system vs burn it