protein

Fennel Tinga

Name: Fennel Tinga
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: protein
Ingredients: 340 g (12 oz) fennel, cut into thin strips; 420 g (1 lb) onion, cut into thin strips; 85 g (3 oz) garlic, whole cloves; 90 g (3¼ oz) lard; 45 g (1½ oz) chipotle in adobo; 450 g (1 lb) canned tomatoes, crushed by hand; 2 bay leaves; 240 ml (1 cup) orange juice; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Prep

15 minutes

Cook

1 hour 15 minutes

Total

1 hr 30 min

Serves

4 servings

Smoky, slightly sweet, and deep orange from the chipotle and tomato, this vegetable tinga uses fennel as its base instead of chicken. The fennel softens into the sauce over the hour-long simmer and takes on the chipotle flavor completely.

Ingredients

340 g (12 oz) fennel, cut into thin strips
420 g (1 lb) onion, cut into thin strips
85 g (3 oz) garlic, whole cloves
90 g (3¼ oz) lard
45 g (1½ oz) chipotle in adobo
450 g (1 lb) canned tomatoes, crushed by hand
2 bay leaves
240 ml (1 cup) orange juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Heat the lard in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2
Add the onion, fennel, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 15–20 minutes.
3
Add the crushed tomatoes, chipotle, bay leaves, and orange juice.
4
Bring to a boil, then lower to a steady simmer.
5
Cook uncovered for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes, until the sauce is thick and the fennel is completely soft.
6
Remove the bay leaves. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Cook's Note

Give the onion and fennel real time to brown before you add the tomato, that color on the vegetables is flavor that goes into the finished sauce. If you rush that step, the tinga tastes flat.

Best Served With

Corn tortillas, sour cream, and pickled jalapeño.

Why This Recipe Works

Browning the vegetables first builds a savory base that the tomato and chipotle can build on. The orange juice softens the chipotle's smokiness and adds a brightness that keeps the whole thing from tasting heavy.

Make It Yours

Add a handful of cooked black beans at the end for a heartier version.
Finish with a little crumbled queso fresco right before serving.

Leftover Strategy

Keeps refrigerated for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen if it's thickened up.

Want to impress guests with this dish? Ask Jeff →

Pairing

Cold Mexican lager ↗ or horchata. A light citrusy white wine also works.

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