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Vegetarian brussels sprout carrot osso buco

A vegetarian take on an Italian classic dish. Packed with flavor and healthy vegetables, this makes an impressive dinner that will make people beg for seconds.
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients 

  • 8 oz pearl onions or baby red or white onions
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds carrots peeled and ends trimmed
  • 12 oz brussels sprouts
  • 1 cup dry white or red wine
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons porcini powder
  • fine sea salt
  • freshly ground pepper add to taste

Instructions

  • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack placed in the lower third of the oven. As it preheats, bring 1-inch (2.5 cm) of water to a boil in a medium skillet. Add the pearl onions and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain the onions, then trim the ends and peel each one. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
  • Slice carrots into 2-inch (5 cm) logs. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large ovenproof pot (I use a 4-quart Staub). Add the carrots in a single layer, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cook over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning them frequently until they’re golden brown on every side. (You can do this in batches to avoid crowding the pot.)
  • Transfer carrots to a plate, add another tablespoon of oil to the pot. Toss in the Brussels sprouts and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add the pearl onions and, stirring occasionally, cook for another 2-3 minutes. 
  • Return the carrots back to the pot and pour in the wine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, then stir in the porcini powder and vegetable stock. You want the stock to only partially cover the vegetables. Sprinkle vegetables with a large pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper, cover pot with lid and transfer to the oven.
  • Braise vegetables for about 30-40 minutes. Check on them after the first 20 minutes pass, turn them over and add more liquid if needed. 
  • The osso bucco is ready once all the vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a thin knife. Remove pot from the oven and taste the sauce, add more salt and pepper if desired. Keep osso buco covered until serving time, it stays warm for 1 hour easily. 
  • To serve: Spoon some mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower or polenta) into a shallow bowl, top with vegetables from osso buco, then add a few tablespoons of the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.  
    Store leftover osso buco covered in the refrigerator, reheat slowly on the stove. 

Notes

You can find porcini powder in well stocked grocery stores or on Amazon. You can also make your own by grinding dried mushrooms in a blender. Store leftover powder in an air-tight container, add it to soups and sauces for extra flavor. Another alternative could be the umami powder that Trader Joe’s sell, although I have not tried that.
You can use mushroom stock in place of vegetable stock or wine (if you don’t want to use it or simply don’t have it on hand). 
Recipe adapted from Food and Wine.