Wine Braised Beef with Onions

Growing up I loved having pot roast, it was one of those things you would look forward to having on a sunday evening. Chris bought a Le Cresuet pan the other day and we have been waiting to make a slow cooked meal in it. I love the pan, it is so great, especially the orange color.

Recipe

3 onions
2 shallots
1 (2.5) pound beef chuck roast
1 tablespoon pot roast
1 bay leaf
1/2 bottle of red wine- I say don't cook with it if you wouldn't drink it.
12 small potatoes- cut into pieces
4 carrots- peeled and cut in pieces

First you need to cut up the onions and shallots, which could bring out a few tears. I have heard that running the knife under water can help, but I always seem to shed a few tears. Cut them into about 1/2 inch slices, keep them sort of big. Because they will shrink and dissolve in the cooking process.
Now you want to pat dry the beef and season all over with ground pepper and salt. Heat the oil in your pan until in shimmers. Place the beef into the pan, hot oil may splash up, so be careful. Cook the beef for about 8 minutes on each side. Then you can take it out and set aside on a plate.
Place the onions, shallots and bay leaf into the pan. You can add a little more oil if you feel that you need it. Cook this for about 25 minutes, you will want to scrape up all the little bits from the bottom of the pan, so that the onions get nice and coated.

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees with the rack in the middle. Add the wine to the onions as well as the beef and any juices that are left on the plate. Bring this to a boil. Then put the top on the pan and place in the oven for about 3 hours. After 3 hours, take the pan out of the oven and throw in the carotts and potatoes. This way they won't be over cooked, place the pan back in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Then take it out and you are ready to serve. Scoop out some beef and top it with onions and carrots and a little juice from the bottom of the pan. I know this recipe has a lot of cooking time, but it is well worth it and your house will smell so good.