MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY ITALIAN POT ROAST

Steps:

• Prepare herb marinade first; then prepare vegetables and keep warm.
• To prepare the herb marinade:Combine all ingredients in blender and briefly blend until smooth. This can be made in smaller batch, but it will be difficult to puree.
• Note: Leftover marinade can be used on steaks, fish and chicken. Brush on before grilling or saute meat in it.
• To prepare vegetables:Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• In very large oven-proof saute pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
• Add vegetables and saute until browned, turning frequently.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer to preheated oven and cook uncovered 1 hour or until all vegetables are tender. Set aside and keep warm. Vegetables will have to be reheated briefly before they are served.
• To prepare roast:When ready to prepare meat, season roast with herb marinade, salt and pepper.
• Brown on all sides on olive oil in heavy, oven-safe braising pan.
• Remove meat from pan and set aside.
• To pan, add onion, carrots and celery and saute over medium-high flame until browned. Add tomato paste, mix well and cook 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add wine, bring to boil, then cook to reduce by half.
• Return meat to pan. Add chicken stock, herbs and bacon and return to boil.
• Transfer to 325-degree oven and cook, uncovered, until meat is tender, 3 to 31/2 hours.
• When meat is done, remove from oven and let rest at least 20 minutes.
• Remove meat from pan and set aside. Strain liquid into saucepan.
• Skim grease off top, removing as much fat as possible from braising liquid. Add veal stock.
• Bring to boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
• To serve:Place half the vegetables in center of serving plate as a base for the meat. Place sliced meat on top and garnish with remaining vegetables on and around beef. Top with sauce and beans if desired.