Tag Archives: carrots

Veal Shanks Braised with Honey and Rosemary

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According to chef/author Molly Stevens‘ cookbook “All About Braising” where this fabulous recipe hails from, veal has an inherent sweetness that really comes to the fore when it is braised with a bit of honey. Not too sweet, just a hint.

To ensure the veal shanks didn’t fall apart during braising, The Hubs tied each one around the outer diameter with kitchen twine. Once plated on a platter, the twine was removed before the carrots and shallots were added.

Along with the braised shallots and carrots, we served a side of velvety Manchego Mashed Potatoes, a perfect vehicle to corral some of the wonderful silky sauce. It was the perfect dinner to celebrate a close friend’s upcoming birthday.

Veal Shanks Braised with Honey and Rosemary

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

The Braise

  • 4 meaty veal shanks, each 2 to 2 1/2 inches thick (3 to 3 1/2 lbs. total)
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup dry white wine or vermouth
  • 2 cups veal or chicken stock, preferably homemade
  • 2 Tbsp. honey (rosemary or lavender if possible); we had lilac honey
  • Zest and juice of 1 orange, zest removed in strips with a vegetable peeler
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon, zest removed in strips with a vegetable peeler
  • 2 6-inch leafy fresh rosemary branches
  • 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

The Carrot and Shallot Garnish

  • 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, plus more to finish
  • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 12 to 18 medium shallots, peeled, larger ones cut in half
  • 12 to 18 small carrots, peeled; OR 4 larger carrots, cut into 3-by-3/4 inch sticks
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 6-inch leafy fresh rosemary branches

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 300 degrees.
  2. Browning the shanks: Season the veal shanks on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a wide Dutch oven or heavy braising pot (6- to7-quart) over medium-high heat. When the oil is quite hot, add as many shanks as will fit without crowding. (If necessary, sear the shanks in batches.) Sear the shanks, turning once withe tongs, until both flat sides have an attractive bronze color, about 5 minutes per side. transfer to a large plate or tray, without stacking.
  3. The aromatics and braising liquid: Add the onion to the pot, stir and sauté, still over medium-high heat, until they soften and begin to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. The bottom of the pot should be developing a caramelized crust. Pour in the wine, stir to dissolve the brown crust on the bottom of the pot, and boil until the wine is reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
  4. The braise: Add the stock, honey orange zest and juice, lemon zest, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar to the pot. Return the shanks to the pot, arranging them in a snug single layer, and pour over any juices that accumulated while they sat. Bring to a simmer and cover with parchment paper, pressing down so the paper nearly touches the shanks and the edges hang over the sides of the pot by about an inch. Then secure the lid in place and slide the pot into the lower third of the oven to braise at a gentle simmer for 1 hour. After the first 10 to 15 minutes, check that the liquid is not boiling too energetically; if i is lower the oven heat by 10 to 15 degrees and continue to braise.
  5. Prepare the garnish: heat the butter and oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. when the butter has melted and the oil is quite hot, add the shallots and carrots, season with salt and pepper, and sauté, stirring and shaking the pan frequently, until tinged with brown all over, about 8 minutes. Add the rosemary branches and sauté for another minute.
  6. Finishing the sauce: With a slotted spoon, lift the shanks along with the shallots and carrots, onto a platter, without stacking. Handle the veal carefully at this point, as it will tend to fall apart. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Strain the braising liquid into a saucepan, pushing down on the vegetables, zest, and spent herbs to extract all the juices, and discard the solids. Skim the surface fat from the strained liquid, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Simmer, skimming a few more times, until reduced enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and keep at a low simmer.
  7. Portioning the veal shanks: If the shanks are reasonably sized, serve one shank per person. If the shanks are enormous, pull apart the larger shanks, separating them at their natural seams, and serve smaller amounts. be sure to offer the marrow bones as well.
  8. Serving: For a luxurious sauce, whisk a walnut-sized knob of butter into the barely simmering sauce.Once you’ve added the butter, avoid prolonged boiling. Serve the shanks accompanied by the carrots and shallots, and spoon the sauce over the top.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Recipe by Molly Stevens from All About Braising

Butter-Roasted Carrots with Za’atar and Pomegranate Molasses

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This lovely side dish is definitely company-worthy. Not only do they look and smell delicious, they taste phenomenal. Carrots roast in a moderately hot oven for almost an hour and become super-sweet and almost meltingly tender. Start them coated with olive oil, but drizzle them with melted butter partway through roasting.

The milk solids in the butter caramelize in the oven, adding a rich, nutty fragrance and flavor. Za’atar, a Middle Eastern seed and spice blend, and orange zest and juice bring complexity to the dish. Pistachios and sweet-tart pomegranate molasses are finishing touches that make this dish special.

Bunch carrots—the type sold with their greens attached—are especially good here because they’re slender and fresh. If using carrots with especially thick upper portions, after halving them lengthwise, halve them again to create more uniform pieces.

Even though we have Za’atar seasoning, we decided to do a mixx of one teaspoon each of ground coriander and Aleppo pepper. You can use any of the three spices or a mix of them.

Butter-Roasted Carrots with Za'atar and Pomegranate Molasses

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 2½ lbs. slender carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise (see headnote)
  • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 1 orange
  • 4 Tbsp. salted butter, melted
  • 2 tsp. za’atar OR ground coriander OR Aleppo pepper
  • 2 Tbsp. raw OR roasted pistachios, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp. pomegranate molasses

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle position. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the carrots with the oil, ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then distribute evenly. Roast for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grate 1 teaspoon zest from the orange, then cut the orange into quarters.
  2. Drizzle the carrots with the butter and sprinkle with the za’atar and zest. Toss, then redistribute evenly. Place the orange quarters cut sides up on the baking sheet. Roast until a skewer inserted into the largest carrot meets no resistance, another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once about halfway through.
  3. Squeeze the juice from 1 orange quarter over the carrots. Using a wide metal spatula, transfer to a platter, scraping up any browned bits. Taste the carrots and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the pistachios and drizzle with the pomegranate molasses. Serve the remaining orange quarters on the side.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Recipe by Courtney Hill for Milk Street

Yogurt-Roasted Carrots with Warm Spices

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In this tandoori-inspired recipe from Milk Street, garam masala is combined with crushed fennel seed and turmeric for the carrot seasoning. A shallot-infused melted butter topping includes more of the spice mix with fresh cilantro and mint. Full-fat Greek yogurt better facilitates charring due to its lower moisture content.

It is recommended that you buy carrots with their green tops still attached. Even though you discard the greens, they tend to be fresher and on the slimmer side. The greens are super delicious and loaded with nutrients so if you’re not keen on tossing them, consider using them in a variety of ways such as pesto, chimichurri, fritters, or in your homemade vegetable broth.

Don’t forget to coat the baking sheet with cooking spray. The yogurt-covered carrots otherwise will char and stick to the pan. Don’t use large carrots for this recipe. Bunched carrots with tops are thinner and more tender than bagged carrots.

Yogurt-Roasted Carrots with Warm Spices

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. garam masala
  • 1 tsp. fennel seeds, lightly crushed
  • 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 bunches carrots with tops (1 lb. total), tops removed and discarded, halved crosswise on a sharp diagonal
  • 4 Tbsp. salted butter
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 medium garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1/3 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/3 cup lightly packed fresh mint, chopped

Directions

  1. Heat the oven to 500°F with a rack in the middle position. Mist a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the garam masala, fennel, turmeric and ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt with 4 teaspoons of the spice mix. Add the carrots and toss to coat. Distribute the carrots in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Roast until well charred and a skewer inserted into the carrots meets no resistance, 25 to 30 minutes; stir the carrots once about halfway through.
  4. Meanwhile, in an 8-inch skillet over medium, melt the butter. Add the shallot and garlic, then cook, stirring, until beginning to brown and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Add the remaining spice mix and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  6. When the carrots are done, add the spiced shallot mixture, cilantro and mint directly to the baking sheet and toss with tongs. Taste and season with salt and pepper, then transfer immediately to a serving platter.
    NOTE: Don’t let them stay on the baking sheet which will char the tender herbs and onions. Cover with foil if your other dishes are not ready.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Recipe from Calvin Cox for Milk Street

Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

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Here’s a perfect solution to celebrating a traditional St. Patrick’s day dinner without the usual long process. It’s an easy express route that uses your pressure cooker/Instant Pot. Even this method takes over two hours, so plan ahead.

When it comes to the meat itself, we prefer a thicker brisket as opposed to the flatter ones. Mix up the sour cream, whole-grain mustard and horseradish into one condiment adjusting the taste to suit your personal preferences. In our case, that means a lot of horseradish!

Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 3 Tbsp. pickling spice
  • 4 lbs. corned beef brisket, (one piece), rinsed
  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, split lengthwise, cleaned and cut into 1-inch lengths
  • 4 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 small head green cabbage, core intact, cut into thick wedges
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped
  • Sour cream, prepared horseradish and whole-grain mustard, for serving

Directions

  1. Put the onion, thyme, garlic, pickling spice, brisket and 6 cups water into an Instant Pot®. Follow the manufacturer’s guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook.
  2. Seal and cook on high pressure for 85 minutes. Follow the manufacturer’s guide for quick release, then remove the meat and set aside.
  3. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl and return 2 cups back to the Instant Pot® along with the butter.
  4. Add the rutabaga, leeks, carrots and cabbage to the Instant Pot®. Seal and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Quick release the steam.
  5. Thinly slice the brisket across the grain and transfer to a serving platter. Arrange the vegetables around the meat, sprinkle with the parsley and serve with the sour cream, horseradish and mustard on the side.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Adapted from a recipe by Food Network

Roasted Glazed Parsnips and Carrots with Orange and Thyme

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Root vegetables often get a bad rap, so says Cook’s Country. I agree, they can be hard and fibrous and have often been prepared and presented in unappealing ways. But with a creative glaze and tempered cooking, this Roasted Glazed Parsnips and Carrots with Orange and Thyme recipe breaks out of its place as a humble side dish and gets ready to shine.

Cooking root vegetables in liquid transforms their fibrous textures into silky, tender morsels. Root vegetables do an amazing job of absorbing the flavor of the liquid they are cooked in. Chicken stock and water mixed with ingredients like onions, herbs and vinegar creates just the right addition. Sweeteners such as jellies, jams and syrups help bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and help tame any bitter flavors.

Our mistake was cutting the entire recipe in half. For only two of us, two pounds of veggies seemed like a lot, so we made it with a half-pound each of carrots and parsnips. What we shouldn’t have done was decrease all of the other ingredients too because ours ended up being a little too dry, not the silky, tender morsels described.

One other note, in Step 3, we would lengthen the time covered in foil to 25-30 minutes to allow the vegetables to steam in the liquid, then remove the foil and continue roasting for another 20 minutes or so. Anyway, we do plan to make again—but with all of the initial ingredients.

Artist Unknown

Roasted Glazed Parsnips and Carrots with Orange and Thyme

  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into 2 by 1/2-inch sticks
  • 1 lb. parsnips, peeled and cut into 2 by 1/2-inch sticks
  • 2 tsp. minced fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. orange marmalade
  • 1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
  • Salt and pepper
  • 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter (1 Tbsp. melted and 2 Tbsp. cubed)
  • ½ cup water

Directions

  1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Toss carrots, parsnips, 1 teaspoon thyme, vinegar, marmalade, ginger, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and melted butter in 13 by 9-inch Pyrex baking dish.
  3. Pour water over vegetables, cover with foil, and roast until vegetables just begin to soften, about 20 minutes.
  4. Remove foil and continue to roast, tossing occasionally, until vegetables are tender and browned and liquid is reduced to thick glaze, 20 to 25 minutes.
  5. Add remaining teaspoon thyme and cubed butter and toss. Adjust seasonings and serve.

http://www.lynnandruss.com

Recipe from Cook’s Country

  • We served ours with a luscious Pork Roast with Mushroom Gravy. add link