Root Vegetable Pot Roast

Name: Root Vegetable Pot Roast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth; 2 chai black tea bags; 2 medium potatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1-1/2-inch cubes; 2 medium turnips (about 9 ounces), cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces; 4 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch wedges; 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 3 pounds); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 3 tablespoons cold water

During the hectic holiday season, I make this roast a lot. We've scarfed it down before and after shopping and while wrapping presents. Root vegetables and roast beef make everyone feel cozy and calm. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina

Ingredients

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
2 chai black tea bags
2 medium potatoes (about 1 pound), cut into 1-1/2-inch cubes
2 medium turnips (about 9 ounces), cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
4 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 3 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring broth to a boil; remove from heat. Add tea bags; steep, covered, 3-5 minutes according to taste. Discard tea bags. Meanwhile, combine vegetables in a 6-qt. slow cooker.
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown roast on all sides. Place over vegetables; pour tea-steeped broth over top. Sprinkle roast with salt and pepper; top with lemon slices. Cook, covered, on low until beef and vegetables are tender, 7-9 hours.
Discard lemon. Remove roast and vegetables from slow cooker; keep warm.
Transfer cooking juices to a saucepan; skim fat. Bring juices to a boil. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into juices. Return to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Serve with roast and vegetables.

Test Kitchen Tips

The flavor of chai tea varies quite a bit by brand. We tested this recipe with Twinings, and it added a subtle spiced flavor.

If you want stronger chai flavor, use more tea bags rather than steeping longer. Too much steeping can turn the flavor bitter.

For lump-free gravy, be sure to mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. If you start with lumps, you'll end up with lumps!