Cassies - Stove Top Pot Roast

1Trim off any large pieces of surface fat. Mix together salt, pepper, paprika and turmeric and rub this all over the meat.

2In a dutch oven or large skillet with a domed lid, heat (medium-high) 2 tablespoons canola or other oil and brown the meat. Add more oil if needed. Don't rush this step as browning is important for a rich deep flavor.

3Reduce the heat and add 1 1/2 cups dry red wine (or tomato juice) and 1 1/2 cup water, the bay leaves, and the cinnamon stick. Regulate the heat to maintain a slow simmer. Cover the pot.

4Scrub or peel potatoes and carrots and cut into large pieces. If using egg-sized or smaller potatoes, leave them whole. Cut the onions into large chunks. ( I saved time by buying baby potatoes with a thin skin, and prepackaged baby carrots )

5After the meat has cooked for an hour, turn it over and add the cut up vegetables.

6Continue to simmer, covered, until the meat is tender, about an hour and a half. The actual time will depend on the size and shape of the meat. ( Every so often I would push any carrots or potatoes down into the broth, moving the beef around to make room... this is easy once cooked down some.)

7Remove meat and vegetables to a warmed platter and cover loosely to keep warm while you prepare the pan juices. To thicken, raise the heat and boil down the liquid to your desired consistency, or remove 1/2 cup pan juice and thoroughly mix with 1/4th cup flour. Whisk this back into the pan and cook for about 5 minutes. Correct the seasoning, if necessary.

You can fore go this step if not wanting a gravy for the meat and veggies.