While many of us associate February with Valentine’s Day (and large boxes of chocolates), it’s also the month to be more aware of the importance of having a healthy heart. One way to celebrate American Heart Month is to eat foods that prevent cardiovascular disease. Try this hearty and tasty pot roast recipe from the American Heart Association — it’s a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables, which are part of a healthy heart lifestyle.
Slow-Cooked Pot Roast
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1-1/2 lb. beef top round roast in one piece, all visible fat discarded
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, about one cup, thinly sliced
3 clove garlic, chopped into 4 pieces each
2 stalk celery, about 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch rounds
1 cup water
Directions:
Remove meat from refrigerator an hour before cooking, trim and pat dry with paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
In a deep heavy oven proof pot heat the olive oil to medium and sear the meat on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add the onions, garlic, celery, potatoes, carrots and water.
Cover and bake in the oven for 2 hours.
Remove the meat from the pot and allow it to rest, covered loosely with foil, for 15 minutes before you slice into quarter-inch slices. This allows the juices in the meat to redistribute so this lean cut of meat is moister.
Serve with the cooked vegetables on the side and the pan juices over the meat.
For more heart-healthy recipes, visit the American Heart Association online: www.heart.org.