Wine-Braised Chuck Roast With Onions - chuck roast

Method

• Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 325°F.
• Pat beef dry and rub all over with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• Heat oil in an ovenproof 5 quart wide heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking.
• Brown beef on all sides, about 15 minutes total.
• Transfer beef to a plate.
• Add onions to pot and saute over moderately high heat, stirring frequently until pale golden, about 10 minutes.
• Add garlic, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper and cook stirring, two minutes.
• Add wine and water and bring to a boil.
• Return beef to pot, then cover tightly and braise in oven, turning once after 1 hour, until beef is very tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours total.
• Let beef stand, uncovered, in onion gravy about 15 minutes.
• Cut into 1/2 inch thick slice and serve with onion gravy.