Barefoot Contessa Orange Braised Carrots and Parsnips

delicious, healthy, comfort food for fall and winter -- the orange adds a freshness and a zest. from her new Foolproof cookbook.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 2 lbs

Ingredients

• 1  lb carrot, with the greens attached
• 1  lb  thin parsnip
• 1⁄3 cup  finely diced shallots or 1  large shallot
• 2  teaspoons  grated orange zest
• 1 1⁄4 cups  freshly squeezed  orange juice
• 1⁄3 cup  spitiko olive oil
• 6  sprigs thyme, tied with kitchen string
• 2  tablespoons  minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.
2. Trim and scrub or peel the carrots and parsnips. If the parsnips are thick, slice them in half or quarters so they are about the same width as the carrots.
3. Place the carrots and parsnips in a pot or Dutch oven, such as LeCreuset, that's large enough for the vegetables to be flat. Add the shallots, orange zest, 3/4 cup of the orange juice, the olive oil, thyme, 2 t salt and 1/2 t black pepper. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.
4. Place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover tightly with a lid. Transfer to the oven and cook for 1-1/2 hours, until the carrots and parsnips are very tender.
5. Discard the thyme bundle. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of orange juice and the parsley and season to taste.
6. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.