Let’s all say it together, slow cooker roast with Fall root vegetables. It’s a mouthful and almost as toothy as it is fully cooked!
When I was first married I received, what was then called a crock pot; 2 of them to be on point. I knew what they were. My mom, Carol, used her “red-brick” covered one for soups, chili and such. I understood their value of convenience and one pot cooking.
For me, though, if I used one it meant I had officially become domesticated. My vision was one of a 20-something gal wearing a waist-tie apron, watching the clock for her husband’s arrive home, final dinner table touches, hearing the car come up the drive, quick lipstick application, big smile and then saying as the door opens, “Honey, you’re home.”
I was a career oriented and on the move with no time for cooking. The crock pots quickly found a new home at the local Good Will.
Fast forward several years… I’m a bit wiser and more thoughtful towards the irony of a young woman’s silly perception! The truth is, and in today’s language, a slow cooker is the BOMB!
Here’s your recipe.
Ingredients
3⁄4 lb of lean chuck roast
2 Tbls of olive oil
3 tsp of kosher salt
2 tsp of fresh ground pepper
14.5 ounce can of dices roasted tomatoes
4 sprigs of flat leaf parsley
2 sprigs of marjoram
4 sprigs of thyme
1 large bay leaf
6-8 baby carrots
6-8 baby potatoes
1 small onion, peeled quartered
Process
Sprinkle salt and pepper over all sides of chuck roast. Set aside.
Place a medium skillet over high heat. Pour olive oil into pan. As the oil heats up coat the inside of the pan. Once oil is heated through and almost smoking, gently place salted chuck roast in the pan. Cook each side (searing) until slightly caramelized. Put roast into the slow cooker. Add all other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Get messy!
Cover slower cooker with top. Turn heat on high and walk away. At 1 1⁄2 hours check and mix. Repeat once more. Cook for up to 4 hours or until roast falls apart to touch.
Serve immediately. Yields 3 4-ounce roast servings with vegetables.
Note: Not all slow cookers cook alike. Take care in the timing and be watchful.