Dutch Oven Pot Roast

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– August 30, 2011Posted in: Dinner

pot roast

Hurricane Irene blew into NJ (and just about every state on the east coast) this weekend. Thankfully we got through it with no damage or significant flooding to our home or property, though we know we were fortunate and there are many who are without power or have flooded homes. Still, it was quite the storm to behold. Baby Boy loved watching the rain fall and the trees blowing about in the wind. He slept pleasantly through the worst of the storm, which hit us around midnight.

Rainy weather always puts me in the mood for a good stew or slow pot roast. Something that you just put in the oven and let cook all day, filling the house with the delicious aroma, brightening moods despite lousy weather. So before Hurricane Irene blew into town I made a point of picking up a pot roast to do just that, some good slow cooking.

 

pot roast

I did my food shopping early Saturday morning. Once upon a time I wouldn’t dream of being awake, and at the grocery story, at 8am. I also never imagined I would have a baby, and that he would wake us up for the day at 5:30 am. But that’s ok. Baby boy just wanted to make sure I got to the store before the rush, so that I could make this delicious dinner for me and his Mommy.

After putting the pot roast in the oven, we took advantage of being cooped up inside. Rachel repainted the kitchen (a nice slate blue). It was our first time repainting since the original beige went on when we rebuilt the kitchen a few years ago (another DIY project with my awesome father in law). While Rachel painted, I spent quality Daddy time with Baby Boy.

pot roast

By the time the pot roast was done I was drooling nearly as much as Baby Boy (we think he is beginning teething. I have no excuse). We enjoyed it with a chunk of fresh semolina bread, and I had a glass of red wine. Shortly thereafter Baby Boy went to bed for the night, and Rachel and I got to snuggle on the couch and enjoy a movie.

Although the hurricane was bad, it could have been a lot worse. And, looking at the positive side, it made us slow down. Too often, especially here in NJ, we are always on the go; so busy. It was nice to have a slow weekend to just relax inside, enjoy the company of our little family, and of course eat some slow cooked comfort food.

Do you have a favorite comfort/rainy day food? Please let us know in the comments below!

Recipe: Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Ingredients

  • 1 (3 to 4-pound) boneless bottom round roast
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 yellow onions, peeled and quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 or 4 potatoes, cut into chunks

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Season the roast on all sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil and sear the roast on all sides. Add the onions, garlic and tomato paste and cook until slightly colored. Add the wine, stock, thyme and bay leaves. Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover, and place in the oven.
  4. Roast for 2 hours and then add the carrots and potatoes. Continue to cook for 2 more hour, or until roast is fork tender. Transfer the roast to a cutting board and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Slice and place on a serving platter. Skim the fat off the braising liquid and serve with the roast. Garnish with parsley.

Cooking time: minute(s)

pot roast

What’s your favorite rainy day food?

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