In a 3-qt saucepan, melt 1½ Tbs of the butter over med heat.
Add the minced onions and cook until translucent, about 10 mins. Toss in the rice and stir to coat the grains well. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, and simmer, covered until the rice is very tender, about 18 mins. While the rice is still warm, transfer to a food processor and puree until completely smooth. Set aside to cool.
Drain the cooked spinach well, coarsely chop, and reserve.
Heat the remaining butter in a large skillet over high heat. Saute the mushrooms and shredded carrots until tender, about 5 mins. Set aside in a colander to drain and cool.
In a large bowl (or in an electric mixer fitted with a paddle), combine the pureed rice, spinach, mushrooms, carrots, ground veal, and Parmigiano and mix thoroughly. Season with ¾ tsp of the salt and ⅛ tsp of the pepper.
Fill the pocket in the veal breast with the stuffing. Close off the open end with 2 trussing needles, 1 inserted horizontally thru' the top flap of the opening, the other, parallel, thru' the bottom flap. Lace the 2 needles with kitchen thread, and tie the ends together to close the opening.
Preheat the oven to 450 F.
Place half the olive oil with the chopped carrots, celery, garlic, and onions in alarge roasting pan. Brush the stuffed veal breast with the remaining oil and season with ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp pepper.
Place the breast of veal, bone side down, atop the vegetables and roast until browned, about 45 mins.
Bring the veal stock and the wine to a boil in the saucepan. Turn the oven down to 350 F and add the wine and stock to the roasting pan. Cover the breast of veal with foil and continue cooking for 3 hours.
Uncover the veal and cook an additional 45 mins, thoroughly basting every 10 mins.
. Carefully remove the breast from the pan and allow to rest on a cutting board for 20 to 30 mins before carving. Strain the braising liquids and reduce by half in the saucepan. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if necessary. Reserve and keep warm.
. To serve, remove the truss needles and string and turn the breast bone side up. Using your hands, gently pry the rib bones free from the meat and discard. Turn the breast over again and, using a heavy knife, cut into 1-inch-thick slices. Transfer the slices to a warm serving platter and serve with the reduced cooking juices.
Serves 6 to 8.
Recipe By : The Union Square Cafe Cookbook - ISBN 0-06-017013-1 From: Dan Klepach Date: 08-23-95 (22:44) (159) Fido: Cooking
