Charles Michener's Potted Veal

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Season the veal with salt and pepper and dust it with flour. In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven with a tight lid, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil over high heat. Add the veal and brown on all sides. Remove the veal and add the onion, carrots and celery. Lower heat to medium and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are browned, about 10 minutes. Return the veal to the pot and add the wine, stock, garlic, thyme and lemon peel and bring just to a boil. Cover the pot and place it in the oven. Cook until the meat is very tender, about 2½ to 3 hours.

2. Step 2

   Remove the meat and set aside. Pour the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh strainer. Discard the solids and reserve the cooking liquid. Add the last tablespoon of oil to the pot and place it over medium-high heat. Saute the finely chopped onion, carrots and celery, until tender. Skim any excess fat from the reserved cooking liquid and add it to the pot. Drain the mushrooms, chop them coarsely and add them, along with the soaking liquid, to the pot. Lower the heat and simmer, partly covered, and cook for one hour.

3. Step 3

   When ready to serve, return the meat to the pot with the sauce and place it over medium heat. Combine the zest and parsley and sprinkle it over the meat. Cook, covered, until the meat is thoroughly warmed. Transfer to a platter and serve.