Braised Italian-Style Pot Roast

Ingredients for Braised Italian-Style Pot Roast

• One 5-inch sprig fresh thyme

• 5 fresh Italian, flat leafed parsley stems

• 2 dried bay leaves or 1 fresh bay leaf

• One 5-inch sprig fresh rosemary

• 2 juniper berries, crushed

• One 900g piece shoulder of beef, bottom round, or pot roast

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Plain flour for dusting

• 5 tablespoons butter

• 230g coarsely chopped celery (about 2 stalks)

• 200g coarsely chopped onion (1 medium-size onion)

• 80g coarsely chopped carrot (1 medium-size carrot)

• 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine

• 120ml dried porcini mushrooms, coarsely chopped and soaked in 240ml warm water

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 475ml canned whole or crushed plum tomatoes

• Chicken broth or water as needed

• 2 tablespoons arrowroot or cornflour

• 60ml dry red or white wine

How to make Braised Italian-Style Pot Roast

Combine all the ingredients in the centre of a piece of cheesecloth that is large enough to hold the herb sprigs, and tie in a bundle with butcher's string.

1. Preheat the oven to 177°C.

2. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then lightly dust with flour. Melt the butter in a large (6-quart) flameproof casserole set over medium-high heat. When it is foaming, add the beef and brown it on all sides, 5 minutes. Add the celery, onions, carrot, and sacchétto di spezie. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften slightly, about 2 minutes. Raise the heat to high and add the bottle of wine. Cook until the wine begins to boil, about 2 more minutes, skimming off any fat that rises to the surface.

3. Strain the porcini mushrooms through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving the liquid. Rinse the mushrooms under cold running water to remove any grit, and add them to the casserole along with the strained mushroom liquid, tomato paste, and tomatoes. The liquid should just cover the meat. If it does not, add chicken broth or water. Cover the casserole and bake it in the oven until the meat is cooked through and tender, about 2 hours. Remove the meat from the casserole to a cutting board, cover with aluminum foil, and set aside.

4. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the vegetables and herb bag. Pour the broth back into the casserole and set it over high heat. Bring to a boil and add the arrowroot and the 60ml wine. Cook to reduce and thicken the liquid, about 5 minutes. Carve the meat into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Serve immediately, spooning some of the broth over each portion.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.