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Pot Roast in Onion Gravy
 

4 pound boneless beef round roast, fat trimmed and twine left on  salt to taste  freshly ground black pepper to taste  2 tablespoon olive oil  2 large onions, thinly sliced  4 cloves garlic, minced  1 teaspoon dried thyme  ½ cup brewed coffee or 1 teaspoon instant coffee dissolved in ½ cup boiling water  2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar  1 tablespoon cornstarch  1 tablespoon water  Season the beef roast with salt and pepper to taste. In a large heavy skillet, warm one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef roast and sear the outside until browned on all sides. Can take up to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the roast to a 3½ quart slow cooker. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Sauté the onions, stirring, for about 7 minutes or until they are soft and golden. Add the garlic and thyme; sauté, stirring, for abut a minute more. Pour in the coffee and balsamic vinegar, and allow to warm for about a minute; then pour the mixture over the beef in the crock pot. Cover and cook on high setting until the beef is tender, but not yet falling apart (usually about 4½ hours). Transfer the beef to a cutting board and tent with foil to maintain its heat. Let the roast rest for about 10 minutes.  Meanwhile, pour the juices from the slow cooking into a medium saucepan. Skim off the fat and bring the juices to a boil over medium-high heat.  In a small bowl, blend together the cornstarch and water. Add the mixture to the saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the twine from the roast beef and carve. Serve warm with the gravy.

 
 
 

©2000 Leigh Ann Smyth. Duplication is prohibited.