With my family home on lockdown due to the Covid-19 virus, I am doing a lot of cooking. Cooking comfort food and food that’s healthy, easy to prepare with what I have on hand since the stores have limited items at this time.  This dish is very easy and is made in one pot with very little ingredients. If you don’t have wine, use broth. You can substitute whatever herbs you have on hand. You can turn the leftovers into several different meals. I made chimichangas with mine. This reminds me of when I was a young child and my grandmother would tell me why we shouldn’t waste and that it’s important to utilize what you can with what you have. She saved paper, she saved string and always made sure to never let leftovers go to waste.

BRAISED BEEF WITH ONIONS AND GARLIC 

3lbs grass fed boneless chuck roast, cut into three large pieces

2 large organic  vidalia onions, sliced thin

8 organic garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

5 organic thyme sprigs

1 cup dry white wine

2 Tbs. grass fed butter

2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions

Season beef with salt and pepper. Let it stand at room temperature for an hour.

Heat oven to 300 degrees.

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil.

Blot each piece of meat before placing in the pot, do not over crowd the pot. Brown on each side for 6 minutes without moving the meat (this is an important step). Be careful that the meat and juices do not burn.

When all the meat is browned, add butter, onions, thyme and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything to deglaze and allow the onions to take on the flavors. Once the onions are thoroughly coated with butter and browned bits and juices, make sure the onions remain underneath the meat and cook about 10 minutes until soft and not burnt or crispy.

Add wine and bring to a simmer. Put lid on the pot, place in the oven and cook until meat is fork tender and falls apart without any effort, about 2 hours to 3 hours.

When meat is done, transfer it to a cutting board and shred. Place on a serving dish or platter.  Check onions for more seasoning if needed, then spoon onion mixture and juices over the meat and serve with a crusty bread or over buttered noodles or rice.