Heirloom Tomato Salad with Pickled Fennel

Preparation

1. For pickled fennel:

   Step 1

   Toast star anise, aniseed, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and cumin seeds in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Bundle toasted spices, lemongrass, and orange zest in a piece of cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine to make a sachet. Place sachet and fennel in a 1-quart jar or bowl.

   Step 2

   Bring vinegar, sugar, salt, and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar and salt. Pour vinegar mixture over sachet and fennel and let cool; discard sachet. Cover fennel and chill at least 12 hours.

   Step 3

   DO AHEAD: Pickled fennel can be made 2 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.

2. For assembly:

   Step 4

   Combine large and cherry tomatoes, vinegar, and 6 tablespoons oil in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature 30 minutes.

   Step 5

   Before serving, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over high heat. Cook Cubanelle peppers, tossing often, until charred in spots, about 4 minutes.

   Step 6

   Serve tomato salad topped with peppers, pickled fennel, and fennel fronds.