Orange-Braised Carrots & Parsnips

Another Ina Garten goodie! Such a classic mix with both the carrots and parsnips -- if you have never eaten parsnips this is a great way to try them! Enjoy -be sure to cut them to like sizes. Be sure to read the recipe all the way through as it requires 90 minutes of cooking time!!

1 pound carrots, with the greens attached

1 pound thin parsnips

1/3 cup small-diced shallots (1 large)

2 teaspoons grated orange zest

1 1/4 cups freshly squeezed orange juice, divided (3 oranges)

1/3 cup good olive oil

6 sprigs fresh thyme, tied with kitchen string

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, for serving

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
2. Trim and scrub or peel the carrots and parsnips. If the parsnips are thick, slice them in half or quarters lengthwise so they are about the same width as the carrots.
3. Place the carrots and parsnips in a pot or Dutch oven, such as Le Creuset, that's large enough for the vegetables to lie flat. Add the shallots, orange zest, 3/4 cup of the orange juice, the olive oil, thyme, red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover tightly with a lid or heavy-duty foil. Transfer to the oven and cook for 1 1/2 hours, until the carrots and parsnips are very tender. Discard the thyme bundle. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of orange juice and the parsley and season to taste. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.