Vegetarian Bourguignon

Heat 2 tablespoons butter and oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add celery, parsnip and carrot; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add mushrooms, shallot, garlic, bay leaf, thyme and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the mushrooms soften, about 5 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste; cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds more. Add wine and cognac (or brandy); increase heat to medium-high and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the liquid is reduced by about half, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, partially cover and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in pearl onions. Return to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper.