Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut the fennel into slices. Add to a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil, and some of the salt, pepper, and chili pepper flakes. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.
1 medium fennel bulb
Add the onion, carrot, and garlic to a pot over medium heat.
1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 medium carrots
Add in a small amount of veggie broth while sauteing to release the onion mixture from the bottom of the pot.
Season with salt and pepper
1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Add the remaining oil to the pot and stir in the flour. This will make a bit of a thick paste.
1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Add the potatoes and veggie broth to the onion mixture. Stir to combine the flour oil mixture. Bring soup to a boil.
6 medium potatoes, 6 cups veggie broth
Once the fennel is done roasting, add it to the soup mixture. Stir to combine.
Add the soup to a blender and blend until nice and smooth. Pour back into the soup pot, stir, and serve hot.