Perfect Pot Roast

4 to 5 lb. beef rump roast
2 tablespoons salad oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
1 bay leaf, crumbled
8 whole black peppers
1 teaspoon salt
1 can(10 1/2 oz) condensed beef broth, undiluted (1 1/2 cups)
8 halved, pared carrots (1 lb.)
12 small white onions, peeled
1 sprig parsley
3 tablespoons flour

Wipe pot roast with damp paper towels. Brown roast and sliced onion (onion browns and gives a good dark color and rich flavor to pan drippings) in hot oil and butter in 5 quart dutch oven over medium heat. Turn roast with two wooden spoons, until well browned on all sides — 25 minutes in all. Slow browning gives the meat and gravy a better flavor and color.

To drippings in dutch oven, add garlic, thyme, marjoram, bay leaf, black peppers and salt; stir 1/2 minute. Add beef broth (the recipe says you may substitute tomato juice, stewed tomatoes, beer or red wine to vary the flavor — all true, but you’ll dork with the gravy!) Bring to boiling, then reduce heat to simmer, covered, for 2 1/2 hours. Turn meat occasionally so that it will cook evenly.

Add carrots, onions and parsley; simmer, covered, 30 minutes, or until vegetables and meat are tender.

To make gravy: Remove meat and vegetables from dutch oven to a warm platter; keep in a warm place, covered loosely with foil. Pour 1/4 cup water into measuring cup; add flour; mix with fork until smooth. Strain liquid remaining in dutch oven. If necessary, add water to measure 2 cups. Return to dutch oven. Stir flour mixture into liquid in dutch oven; bring to boiling, stirring. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes. Taste; add salt, if desired.

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