Braised Melange Of Vegetables Glazed With Parmesan Food

BRAISED CELERY WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Peel the tough, fibrous layers from the outer celery ribs. Split the ribs lengthwise and cut into 2 to 3-inch long pieces. Chop 2 tablespoons of the celery leaves, save the rest for other uses¿they are great in salads.
• Put the celery, broth, olive oil, garlic, celery seeds, and thyme in a medium skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, and then adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Place a circle of parchment paper directly on the vegetables or set a lid slightly ajar on the skillet. Cook until the celery is tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a serving dish, and reduce the cooking liquid to a saucy glaze. Remove the thyme sprig, and pour the cooking liquid over the celery, sprinkle with the cheese, and serve.

BAKED ITALIAN VEGETABLE MéLANGE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.
• In the pie pan, layer as follows: squash, bell pepper, onion, and tomatoes. Sprinkle in order with the red pepper flakes, salt, oregano, basil, and fennel seeds. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.
• Sprinkle with the parsley and Parmesan. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes so the flavors blend and the vegetables release their juices.
• Cook's Tip
• Don't skip the last step. It brings out the flavors while the vegetables "relax" and the juices are released, giving the dish more intensity.
• Nutrition information
• (Per serving)
• Calories: 38
• Total fat: 1.0g
• Saturated: 0.5g
• Trans: 0.0g
• Polyunsaturated: 0.0g
• Monounsaturated: 0.0g
• Cholesterol: 2mg
• Sodium: 120mg
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Calcium: 59mg
• Potassium: 275mg
• Dietary Exchanges
• 1 vegetable

PAN-BRAISED CHICKEN WITH VEGETABLES IN BALSAMIC-CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Spread chicken thighs on a clean work surface. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Sprinkle 1/2 of the Italian seasoning all over them.
• Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and brown for 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm.
• Add onions to the same skillet and stir up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions just start to become tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until they begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and remaining Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
• Add chicken broth and return chicken thighs to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until chicken juices run clear, about 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove chicken to a cutting board and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Return chicken to the skillet and increase heat to medium. Add tomatoes and spinach. Cook and stir until tomatoes are heated through and spinach is tender, but still bright green, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and balsamic vinegar; bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 3 minutes. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more cream. Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese.

BRAISED MELANGE OF VEGETABLES GLAZED WITH PARMESAN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the carrots, potatoes, sugar snap or snow peas, green peas, scallions, tomatoes and garlic in a large, shallow casserole. Toss with the salt and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and pour in the chicken broth. Bake until all of the vegetables are soft, about 2 hours.
• Sprinkle the cheese over the top and place under the broiler until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Serve with grilled veal chops or roast chicken, if desired.