Wine Braised Carrots, Onion Gratin

Vegetable overhaul this week.  I wanted to challenge myself to use cheap vegetables in uncommon ways.  I didn't want to use potatoes, I wanted to use the vegetables that are delicious.. and healthy!  So I came up with two new recipes, 'Wine Braised Carrots' and 'Onion Gratin'.  Very vegetarian friendly.  Very delicious.


Category:  Side Dish, Vegetarian

Frenchman Rating:  8/10

Comments: "Suprisingly, carrots were very delicious... the onion gratin didn't even TASTE like onions, it's incredible!"

Cost per Serving:  Glazed carrots = .25 a serving;  Onion Gratin = .30 a serving.  Total cost per serving:  €.50.  Yes. Vegetables are insanely cheap. :)

Ingredients

• 4-5 medium yellow onions (peeled, sliced 1/4 inch thick)
• 2-3 large carrots (peeled, tops cut off)
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/5 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/5 cup cream
• 2 teaspooons nutmeg
• 1/5 cup shredded romano
• salt/pepper to taste

Equipment

• 1 large frying pan
• 1 baking dish 

Instructions

1. Begin by peeling the vegetables.  I peel the onions, then slice them.  Chop the carrots into 1 inch long by 1/2 inch wide.
2. Heat some butter/oil in the large frying pan, toss in the onions with salt/pepper and allow to sweat over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
3. Reduce the heat to medium, add in the nutmeg, stir around, cook for another 5-6 minutes.
4. Pour in the dairy (cream/milk) and stir around in the pan, bring heat back up to medium-high, and cook for about 2 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to a pan, top with the cheese and stick in the oven for 18 minutes at 220 celsius.
6. Rinse the same pan out, and heat up a bit of oil.  Toss in the carrots into the oil, stir around for about 2 minutes.  Pour in the water, cover and cook over medium heat for 4 minutes. 
7. Uncover and add the vinegar/red wine.  Stir around, add seasonings accordingly, recover and cook for 15 minutes over medium heat.
8. Check the carrots for tenderness, if not quite tender, add some more water.. I like mine with a bite.
9. All is done at the same time!! Serve with a nice protein (I had fish, Frenchman had a steak haché)

Wine Braised Carrots, Onion Gratin and Fish Filet