Fennel Soup

"Old-school, herbal… and not exactly a crowd favorite."

Sopa de funcho is made with fennel, a wild herb that grows basically everywhere in the Azores. Some people even say it’s been here since before any real settlement. It’s part of the landscape.

The soup itself is very traditional. Very simple. Very herbal. The flavor is strong, slightly sweet, slightly anise-like, and very specific.

To be honest? I don’t love it.

It’s not a very famous soup. You don’t really see it in restaurants. You don’t even see it often at family gatherings. That probably says something.

Maybe some people love it. Maybe it’s nostalgia food. For me? Not really.

But if you get the chance to try it, go ahead. Knock yourself out.

Honestly, I have no idea.

I’ve never seen it on a restaurant menu.

If you want to try it, you’ll probably have to make it at home.