Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast

Sicilian Pot Roast Recipe - Slow-Cooked Beef with Mushrooms, Onions, and Tomatoes

Region / culture: Sicily | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 hours on high or 10 hours on low | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender top round roast or brisket with flavorful Italian-style tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Sicilian cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and hearty dishes. Slow-cooking meat is a common practice in Sicilian cooking, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become incredibly tender. This particular pot roast recipe has been passed down through generations in Sicilian families, with each cook adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) well-trimmed top round roast or flat half brisket
0.5 tsp coarsely ground Tony's seasoning
1 can sliced mushrooms
1 cup chopped onions
1 cup chopped red or green bell peppers or 1 cup roasted bell peppers, drained and chopped
14.5 oz (411 g) can chopped Italian-style tomatoes, undrained
6 oz (170 g) can tomato paste with roasted garlic

How to prepare

Rinse the meat with cool water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Sprinkle both sides with Tony's seasoning.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and preheat over medium-high heat.
Place the meat in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.
Place the mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers in a 3 qt (2.84 liter) slow cooker and top with the roast.
Pour the tomatoes over the meat.
Cover and cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 10 hours, until the meat is very tender. Turn roast over several times during cooking.
If desired, add 5-7 baby potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Remove the roast to a serving platter and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
Add the tomato paste to the remaining slow cooker mixture and stir to mix well.
Slice the roast across the grain and serve hot accompanied by the sauce.
Serve with pasta if desired.

Variations

Substitute the top round roast or brisket with pork shoulder or chicken thighs for a different flavor.
Add olives, capers, or anchovies for a more authentic Sicilian twist.
Use different herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, or thyme, to customize the flavor of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker, as this will help seal in the juices and add flavor to the dish.

- Adding baby potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking is optional, but it adds a delicious and hearty element to the dish.

- Be sure to slice the roast across the grain to ensure that it is tender and easy to eat.

- Serve the pot roast with pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. A side salad or steamed vegetables would also complement this dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Slow-cooking the pot roast in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become incredibly tender. This method of cooking is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious and hearty meal without a lot of effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Tony's seasoning, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

- Feel free to use fresh mushrooms instead of canned mushrooms for a fresher flavor.

- You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes, but be sure to add some Italian seasoning for flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Simply reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pot roast on a large platter with the sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color and flavor. You can also serve the pot roast in individual bowls or plates for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or a Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sparkling water or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pot roast in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 15g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 7g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 30g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 60%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 25%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

This Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast is a well-balanced meal that is rich in protein and vitamins. It is a satisfying and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Summary

Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender top round roast or brisket with flavorful Italian-style tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was enveloped by the mouth-watering aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and herbs simmering on the stovetop. Maria greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye.

"Ah, mia cara amica! I have a special recipe to share with you today," Maria said, gesturing towards a well-worn cookbook on her cluttered countertop. "This is my Nonna's famous Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast. It's a family favorite, and I know you will love it."

I eagerly leaned in closer, my eyes scanning the faded pages of the cookbook. The recipe was written in Maria's elegant script, detailing each step with precision and care. I could almost taste the tender meat, rich tomato sauce, and fragrant herbs just by reading the ingredients list.

Maria began to guide me through the recipe, explaining the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together slowly over hours of gentle simmering. She shared stories of her childhood in Sicily, where her Nonna would prepare this dish for special occasions and family gatherings.

As I watched Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I remembered my own grandmother, who had passed down her love of cooking to me from a young age. She taught me the value of tradition, the joy of sharing meals with loved ones, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

With Maria's guidance, I carefully followed each step of the recipe, chopping vegetables, browning the meat, and adding the perfect amount of herbs and spices. As the pot roast simmered on the stovetop, filling the kitchen with its irresistible scent, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Hours later, when the pot roast was finally ready, Maria and I sat down at her dining table to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The meat was tender and flavorful, the sauce rich and hearty, and every bite brought back memories of Sicily and family gatherings long past.

As I savored each mouthful, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. It was more than just a dish - it was a connection to my heritage, a tribute to the women who had passed down their knowledge and love through generations.

And so, as I bid farewell to Maria that evening, I promised to carry on the tradition of Slow-cooked Sicilian Pot Roast in my own kitchen. I would share it with my children and grandchildren, passing on not just a recipe, but a piece of my heart and soul.

As I tucked the cookbook under my arm and headed home, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the delicious meals and memories that lay ahead. And I knew that as long as I had my family, my friends, and my trusty cookbook by my side, I would always have a taste of Sicily to savor and share with the ones I loved.