Pot Roast Aragonese: A Flavorful Roast with a Sweet Spice Twist
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 343 per serving
Category: Slow-Cooked Comfort Food
Rating: 5 stars (2 reviews)
This Pot Roast Aragonese is a hearty and flavorful dish with a surprising twist: the subtle hint of chocolate and sweet spices enhance the savory beef flavor, creating a mouthwatering combination. The dish was awarded the Woman’s Day Silver Spoon Award and is perfect for a cozy family meal or a special dinner gathering. The long, slow simmer results in melt-in-your-mouth beef, surrounded by a rich, flavorful gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Boneless bottom round roast | 3 pounds |
Flour | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Onion, chopped | 2 medium |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Water | 2 cups |
Whole cloves | 2 |
Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
Catsup (Ketchup) | 1 tablespoon |
Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
Bay leaf | 1 |
Semi-sweet chocolate | 1/2 ounce |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 343 |
Total Fat | 23.5g |
Saturated Fat | 8.6g |
Cholesterol | 87.1mg |
Sodium | 93.5mg |
Carbohydrates | 3.9g |
Fiber | 0.6g |
Sugars | 1g |
Protein | 27.9g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meat:
Start by seasoning the boneless bottom round roast. Sprinkle it generously with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of flour. This flour helps to form a light crust on the roast while it cooks, adding flavor and texture to the dish. -
Brown the Roast:
Heat a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a couple of tablespoons of oil (vegetable or canola oil works best for browning). Once the oil is hot, place the roast in the pan. Sear it on all sides until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is crucial for building deep, rich flavors. Once browned, remove the roast from the pot and set it aside. -
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them constantly for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. This will help release the natural sweetness and aromas of the vegetables, which will complement the beef beautifully. -
Combine the Ingredients:
Return the roast to the pot and add the remaining ingredients, including the 2 cups of water, cloves, vinegar, catsup, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Stir everything gently to combine, making sure the flavors meld together. -
Simmer the Roast:
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid, ensuring that the roast is submerged as much as possible in the liquid. Let the pot simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, turning the roast occasionally to ensure even cooking. The meat will become tender and the flavors will deepen over time. -
Remove the Roast:
Once the roast is tender, carefully remove it from the pot and place it on a serving platter. Cover it with foil to keep it warm while you finish the sauce. -
Prepare the Gravy:
Discard the cloves and bay leaf from the pot. If the gravy needs to be thickened or there isn’t enough liquid, add a bit more water (about 1/2 cup at a time) until you have at least 2 cups of liquid remaining. Now, add the semi-sweet chocolate to the pot and stir over medium-high heat until the chocolate melts and the gravy thickens. The chocolate will add a subtle richness and depth of flavor to the sauce, perfectly complementing the spices and the savory beef. -
Season and Serve:
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with additional salt if necessary. Slice the roast thinly against the grain to ensure it remains tender. Serve the beef slices with the chocolate-infused gravy poured generously over the top.
Serving Suggestions
This deliciously tender pot roast is perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread. The rich, slightly sweet gravy adds a luxurious touch to the dish, making it an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or special occasions. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Pot Roast Aragonese
This unique pot roast stands out from the usual roast recipes thanks to the sweet and spicy addition of cinnamon, cloves, and the unexpected depth of flavor from the semi-sweet chocolate. It’s a wonderful dish that brings together the comfort of a traditional roast with a bit of a gourmet twist. The slow simmering process allows the meat to become incredibly tender while soaking in all the aromatic spices, resulting in a rich, savory meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s as flavorful as it is impressive, Pot Roast Aragonese is the perfect recipe to try.