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Classic Kosher Veal Roast With Root Vegetables - Jewish recipe
I'll be honest, veal roast used to intimidate me. The cut looked expensive sitting there in the kosher meat section, and I worried about overcooking it. But once I figured out the technique, it became one of my go-to recipes for special occasions. There's something about the way veal pairs with earthy root vegetables that just works perfectly for Shabbat dinner or holiday meals. Veal has this delicate flavor that's more subtle than beef but richer than chicken. It's actually pretty forgiving if you cook it properly. The key is starting with a good sear to lock in the juices, then roasting it low and slow surrounded by vegetables that soak up all those wonderful drippings. I use a mix of carrots, parsnips, and small potatoes because they cook at roughly the same rate as the meat. What makes this recipe work so well is the herb crust I rub all over the roast before searing. Fresh rosemary and thyme mixed with garlic and olive oil create this aromatic coating that gets beautifully browned. The vegetables get tossed with the same herb mixture, so everything tastes cohesive. I've learned that letting the meat rest after cooking is crucial. Those juices redistribute throughout the roast, and you get much more tender slices. This is perfect for when you want something impressive but not too complicated. The active cooking time is actually pretty short once everything goes in the oven. I like to serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up the pan juices. The leftovers make incredible sandwiches too.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Jewish, Kosher
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Roast
  • 3 lbs kosher veal shoulder roast tied by butcher
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves only
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Vegetables
  • 1.5 lbs small potatoes halved
  • 6 large carrots cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 large parsnips cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion quartered
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves only

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove veal from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
  2. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make herb paste. Rub this mixture all over the veal roast, making sure to coat all sides.
  3. In a large bowl, toss potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme leaves until well coated.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large oven-safe Dutch oven or roasting pan over medium-high heat. Sear the veal roast on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  2. Remove the roast temporarily and arrange the seasoned vegetables around the bottom of the pan. Place the seared veal on top of the vegetables.
  3. Transfer to preheated oven and roast for 60-75 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
  4. Remove from oven and let the roast rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Serving
  1. Remove kitchen twine and slice the roast against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
  2. Arrange sliced veal on a platter surrounded by the roasted vegetables. Drizzle with any pan juices before serving.

Notes

For best results, use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The roast will continue cooking slightly while resting. Leftover veal can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and makes excellent sandwiches. If vegetables aren't tender enough when meat is done, remove meat to rest and continue roasting vegetables for 10-15 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per recipe
Serving size 1 serving
Calories 485
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 145mg 48%
Sodium 680mg 30%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 42g 84%