Beef Chuck Roast with Winter Squash and Dried Cranberries

This slow roast is perfect as a comfort food as the seasons change from warm to cool. And this comfort food comes with no guilt, as it is completely healthy! 

Ingredients: 

  • 4-5 pounds KOL Foods beef pot roast (Kaluchel, Deckel, Butcher or Silver Tip Roasts work well)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or matzo flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups beef stock
  • 3-4 sprigs thyme
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • 2 dried red chili peppers
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2. Rinse and dry the beef. In a dish, mix the flour with the salt, pepper and paprika. Dredge the beef in the flour mixture, to coat it on all sides.

3. Pour 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meat and cook, turning the meat occasionally, for about 8 minutes, to brown the surface. Remove the meat and set it aside.

4. Add the remaining vegetable oil to the pan. Add the onions and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste, vinegar and stock, stir with a whisk to blend the ingredients.

5. Return the meat to the pan. Add the thyme, bay leaf and chili peppers. Grate the nutmeg over the ingredients. Bring to a boil then remove the pan from the heat.

6. Cover the pan and place it in the oven. Cook for 3 hours.

7. Add the squash and cranberries. Cook for another 1-1/2 hours or until the meat is soft and the vegetables tender.

Makes 6 servings