Comforting French Onion Pot (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Meat

01 - 3 lb boneless chuck roast

→ Seasoning

02 - 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Oil

04 - 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
05 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

06 - 3 lb yellow onions, sliced (approximately 8 medium to large)
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sweetener

08 - 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar

→ Thickener

09 - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour

→ Liquids

10 - 1 cup dry red wine or extra beef stock
11 - 2 1/2 cups beef stock

→ Herbs

12 - 1 sprig fresh rosemary
13 - 1 bay leaf

# Instructions:

01 - Season the chuck roast evenly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add sliced onions to the pot with remaining olive oil. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
04 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
05 - Mix in maple syrup or brown sugar and sprinkle in flour. Cook while stirring continuously for 1 minute to combine and cook out raw flour taste.
06 - Pour in red wine or beef stock to deglaze, scraping the bottom to loosen browned bits and incorporate flavor.
07 - Stir in the beef stock, rosemary sprig, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
08 - Return the roast to the pot, cover tightly, and transfer to an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) or maintain a low simmer on the stovetop. Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
09 - Remove the roast and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.
10 - Skim any excess fat from the surface of the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
11 - Serve the sliced roast accompanied by the French onion sauce over mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.

# Notes:

01 - Using a dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot enhances depth of flavor. The dish can be prepared a day in advance to allow flavors to meld further. Fresh rosemary can be substituted with 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. Adjust seasoning to personal preference.