• 2 bulbs fennel, stalks trimmed, quartered, cored and sliced/chopped
• 1 medium potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• cooking oil
• 4 cups+ water (or broth if you prefer)
• 2-2.5 pounds tomatoes, peeled ideally (but okay if you don't)
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• cayenne pepper to taste
• cream or non-dairy alternative to taste
• fennel fronds for garnish

Heat oil in large pot.  Saute fennel, potatoes, and onions until onions are translucent, about 5-10 mintues, stirring.  Add tomatoes and water/broth, thyme, salt and pepper and cayenne.  Bring to a boil and simmer until everything is very tender.  Puree.  Checck seasonings.  Add cream to taste.  Garnish with chopped fennel fronds.  Serve hot.