French Roast

French Roast Recipe with Burgundy Wine and Thyme

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

French Roast is a classic and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe features a tender and flavorful cut of meat cooked slowly with vegetables and red wine for a rich and savory flavor profile.

History

French Roast has its origins in French cuisine, where slow-cooking methods are often used to bring out the best flavors in meats and vegetables. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a beloved dish in many households.

Ingredients

4 lb (1.81 kg) French roast
4 medium onions, sliced
1 lb (454 g) bag baby carrots - cut in half if large
black pepper
dried thyme leaves
dried bay leaves
1 bottle of burgundy wine - Kedem makes one (Burgundy Royale)
6 oz (170 g) can tomato paste

How to prepare

Cut up onions and carrots and combine them in the bottom of a 5 qt (4.73 liter) Dutch oven.
Sprinkle some dried thyme leaves over the vegetables.
Lay the meat over the vegetable mixture without browning it.
Sprinkle some black pepper, thyme leaves, and about 6 bay leaves on top of the meat.
Pour the whole bottle of wine into the pot. Don't worry, all the alcohol evaporates.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer and cook for about 3 hours, or until the meat is soft.
This recipe is cooked on the stovetop.
When the meat is done, remove it from the pot and add the can of tomato paste. Mix well and simmer until combined.
Return the meat to the pot and refrigerate overnight.
The meat is much easier to slice when cold the next day.
Reheat before serving.

Variations

Try using different cuts of meat, such as beef chuck or pork shoulder, for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Add in additional herbs and spices, like rosemary or garlic, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use a good quality French roast for the best results.

- Browning the meat before cooking can add extra flavor to the dish.

- Letting the meat marinate in the wine and vegetable mixture overnight can enhance the flavors even more.

- Be sure to simmer the dish on low heat to ensure the meat becomes tender and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

French Roast pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe utilizes slow-cooking techniques to ensure the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Be sure to simmer the dish on low heat for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have French roast, you can use a different cut of beef, such as chuck roast or brisket, as a substitute. You can also use red wine vinegar in place of the burgundy wine.

Make Ahead Tips

French Roast can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. Simply reheat before serving for a delicious meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve French Roast on a platter with the vegetables and sauce drizzled over the top for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

French Roast pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of French Roast contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the size of the portion.

Carbohydrates

French Roast is a low-carb dish, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the vegetables and wine used in the recipe.

Fats

The main source of fat in this recipe comes from the marbling in the French roast. Be sure to trim any excess fat before cooking to reduce the overall fat content.

Proteins

French Roast is a protein-rich dish, with the French roast providing a substantial amount of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used, such as onions and carrots. These vegetables provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies to ingredients like wine or tomato paste.

Summary

French Roast is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for those looking for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Summary

French Roast is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With its tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and rich wine sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the recipes within were timeless treasures, passed down through generations.

As I perused the pages, a particular recipe caught my eye. It was called French Roast, and it sounded absolutely delicious. The combination of herbs and spices, the slow roasting process, the promise of tender, juicy meat – I couldn't resist. I knew that I had to make this dish for my family.

I set to work gathering the ingredients – a prime cut of beef, onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and a splash of red wine. The recipe called for a long, slow roast in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender. It was a labor of love, but one that I was more than willing to undertake.

As the roast cooked, the savory aroma filled the house, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to see the looks on my family's faces when I presented them with this delicious meal. Finally, after hours of waiting, the French Roast was ready.

I carefully sliced into the tender meat, revealing a perfect pink center and a rich, flavorful crust. The juices ran out onto the cutting board, a tantalizing sight. I plated the roast alongside roasted vegetables and a creamy mashed potato, the perfect accompaniments to this classic dish. My family gathered around the table, their eyes wide with anticipation.

As we dug into the meal, the flavors exploded in our mouths. The herbs and spices had permeated every bite, the meat was succulent and tender, and the wine added a depth of flavor that was truly divine. My family oohed and aahed with each mouthful, praising me for my culinary skills.

From that moment on, French Roast became a staple in our household. It was requested for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a family favorite, one that would be passed down through the generations just like the cookbook that had inspired me.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own flair and personal touch. Sometimes I would experiment with different herbs or spices, or marinate the meat overnight for an extra punch of flavor. Each variation was met with rave reviews, solidifying my status as the family's resident chef.

As my own grandchildren grew older, they would often come to me for cooking advice. I would teach them the art of French Roast, passing down the recipe and the love that went into making it. It became a tradition, a way for me to connect with my grandchildren and share a piece of myself with them.

And so, the story of French Roast continues to this day. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joys of cooking and the bond it creates between generations. I am grateful for that old cookbook and the treasure trove of recipes it holds, for without it, I may never have discovered the magic of French Roast.