Pot Roast

Practically everyone has their own pot roast recipe... some use Coca-Cola and Lipton soup mix (good, if a little salty), while others swear by cream of mushroom soup. This one, which is a nod to the Italian stracotto, is simplicity itself, yet upscale enough for company. My niece, Meg, makes her pot roast with a London Broil so it's not so fatty (and likes to add flour to the wine for a thick sauce). Certainly feel free to use whatever cut you're comfortable with (and may happen to be on sale).

Be sure to buy a little larger roast, because leftovers make the most wonderful French dip. Cut open a soft sub roll and cover one side of the roll with shredded meat. Top with a handful of shredded whole milk mozzarella or Jack cheese. Wrap sandwich in aluminum foil and warm for about 10 minutes in a 400 degree oven, or until cheese is nicely melted. While the sandwich heats, reduce the pan sauce to the desired taste and consistency for dipping. Perfect with oven roasted potato wedges.

Pot Roast

2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 to 3 pound beef roast
4 whole garlic cloves, smashed
1/2 bottle red wine (Merlot or Cabernet)
1 cup beef or chicken broth
2 large sprigs of fresh thyme
3 carrots, cut into 2-inch lengths
4 to 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered
House seasoning to taste
cornstarch (if desired)

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle roast liberally with House seasoning. Sear meat on all sides until nicely browned. Add in garlic, sauteing very briefly. Pour in wine and 1 cup of stock. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 2 to 2 1/2 hours, until meat is tender, turning halfway through. Add in carrots and potatoes, cooking until also tender, about 30 to 45 minutes. Serve.

Note: If you find the pan sauce is too thin, add in a slurry of 1 or two teaspoons of cornstarch dissolved in an equal amount of water. Heat until slurry is incorporated and sauce has the consistency of gravy.

House Seasoning

1 cup salt
1 1/4 black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Combine seasonings in an airtight container.