Cucumber & Fennel Meze

Ingredients

• 1  bay leaf 
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns black
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds 
• 2  very young fennel bulbs 
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds 
• 2 tablespoon kosher salt 
• 4 servings olive oil to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper flakes optional red to taste (or )
• 3 tablespoon sugar 
• 1 cup water 
• 3 cup vinegar white
• 10 clove garlic cloves whole peeled
• 1 pound better yet 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan
• baking pan

Directions

1. Cut the cucumbers into ½-inch spears. You may need to quarter or half them. Young Persian cucumbers can often be left whole. You are looking for uniformity, so use your judgment.Trim the fennel bulbs evenly, and cut them lengthwise into quarters. Retain the fronds for garnish.
2. Remove some of the core, keeping the layers intact. Slice these into ½-inch slices.
3. Put the cucumbers, fennel, Thai chilis and garlic cloves into a large heat proof, low-sided bowl, tray or baking dish.
4. Add all the remaining ingredients to a large, non-reactive, saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool some for about 5 minutes. Then poor the hot liquid over the cucumber fennel mixture, stirring to coat well. The liquid should nearly cover all the ingredients. If not add a bit more water.
6. Let the mixture cool completely. You may then cover the dish and move it into the refrigerator. They will be ready to eat in about 4 hours, but will be at their best if you wait until the next day before eating them.
7. Serve chilled on a family style platter with a bit of the marinade and a good drizzle of fruity olive oil.
8. Garnish with fennel fronds.