Objective: how to make fennel mashed potatoes

Which of the following solutions is more sound in terms of naive physics reasoning?

Pick from:
a). Heat 1/2 cup olive oil with 1 tablespoon fennel seeds and 3 small dried chiles. Saute 1 diced fennel bulb in the oil until tender. Make Classic Mash; top with the baked parsnips and fennel oil.;
b). Heat 1/2 cup olive oil with 1 tablespoon fennel seeds and 3 small dried chiles. Saute 1 diced fennel bulb in the oil until tender. Make Classic Mash; top with the fennel and fennel oil.;
b).