HOW TO COOK A ROAST ON TOP OF THE STOVE RECIPES

Steps:

• Rub the roast all over with thyme, sage and salt and pepper.
• Heat a heavy dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan and brown the roast on all sides. Remove roast and saute the onion and garlic. Put the roast back in the pan and add water and reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Cover and simmer until done - about 2 hours. Turn the meat occasionally as water evaporates and then add a little more water.
• To make gravy, remove roast and add the wine and 1/2 cup water to pan. Bring to boil and scrape up brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil until reduces a bit and then add the flour-water paste and whisk in slowly to avoid lumps till reaches the desired thickness. Taste for seasoning.
• If desired, cook 6 small potatoes, 2 medium onions, quartered, 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 3 inch pieces and 1 pound button mushrooms in with roast. Add the last hour of cooking.

Steps:

• I cooked my roast in a cast iron dutch oven, but you can use any dutch oven or large pot with a lid and that has depth to it.  Season your roast on both sides with salt and pepper.  Then coat each side with flour pressing the flour in so it  flour will adhere to the roast. Coat the bottom of your pot with oil and heat to medium high.  Add your roast and brown well on each side. While your roast is browning, in a different pan or skillet, add a little oil or oil and butter combined and cook your onions and mushrooms until softened and lightly browned. Turn your heat off and set aside. When your roast has browned on both sides, remove your roast to a plate and set aside. Add about 1 tablespoon flour to the pan drippings, scraping up the bits  and pieces in the bottom and cook for about a minute. Add about 5 cups of beef stock and whisk until smooth, then increase your heat to a boil so the broth can thicken a little, like a thin gravy, whisking to prevent lumps. Return your roast to the thickend beef stock and top with your onions and mushrooms.  Add one carrot halfed just for flavor and add the thyme sprigs or dried thyme. Increase the heat to a boil, then lower to a simmer and place the lid on your pot.  Slowly simmer your roast for about 2 hours or longer until almost fork tender.  At that point, check for salt and pepper and add your quartered potatoes and carrots.  Other than the initial salt and pepper, I don't add additional until cooked through becasue the beef stock can sometimes be salty and you don't want your gravy too salty! Cook an additional 30 minutes or so until the vegetables are done and your roast is fork tender.  Remove your roast to a serving platter, surround with the potatoes, carrots and mushrooms and serve your gravy on the side.