Ingredients

  • 1 large onion
  • olive oil, for sauteeing
  • 2 lb. French, Chuck, or Minute steak roast
  • 1 1/2 cups port (or any sweet red) wine
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2-3 cups assorted dried fruit (apricots, dates, figs, prunes)
  • 1/4 c honey
  • 1/4 c brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup water

Directions

  1. Sauté onions in olive oil until golden, set aside.
  2. Season the roast with salt and pepper and sear on all sides (see tip).
  3. Pour wine into pot and scrape up any bits and pieces from the seared meat.
  4. Return onions to the pot and spread around the meat.
  5. Bring wine to a boil over high heat.
  6. Simmer, uncovered, for 1-2 minutes until the alcohol evaporates.
  7. Cover the pot and cook for 1 1/2 hours over low heat.
  8. Turn over meat, add dried fruit and season with honey, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.
  9. Add 1/2 cup water and simmer for 30 more minutes.
  10. Remove meat from the pot, and cover with foil to keep warm.
  11. Continue to simmer the dried fruit until the sauce has reduced and thickened, about 30 minutes. Slice roast against the grain and spoon sauce over meat before serving.

TIP: Searing the roast seals in the juices resulting in meat with a nice brown color and moist flavor. For a good sear, make sure the pan is nice and hot. Once the meat is browned, turn over and repeat. Hold the meat on its sides using tongs, so that every edge is covered.

NOTE: For a larger roast, increase cooking time (in the beginning, before you add the dried fruits) approximately 1 hour per lb.

FREEZING: Slice the roast before freezing so that it’s easier to thaw and freeze separately from the dried fruit sauce.