Viva Italia Pot Roast

Pot Roasts explode with flavour. This one uses Italian inspired seasonings. It is great to serve over salad, or with a slightly wilted green vegetables.

In a large dutch oven, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil on the stove top.  While it is heating dry beef roast on all sides with a paper towel to help sear the meat.

Place in hot oil for about 2 minutes on each side until it is crisp and dark brown.  Season with salt and pepper and remove from the pan to make the roasting seasonings.

In the hot oil add 3 more tablespoons of olive oil and one chopped onion.  Brown the onion, and add 2 cups of chopped button mushrooms.  While the mushrooms begin to let their liquids go, chop one head of garlic.  

Once the mushrooms are reduced, add the chopped garlic.  When the garlic becomes fragrant add 3 heaping tablespoons of tomato paste.  Stir the paste into the chopped vegetables and watch carefully so that it does not burn.  

When it begins to smell sweet add 1/2 cup of red wine, 1 tablespoon each of basil, oregano and rosemary.  Stir to release all the seared vegetables on the bottom of the pan and add 1/2 cup of water.  

Return the roast in the pan, place lid on and move it into the oven.  Roast for about 2 - 2 1/2 hours at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.