Classic Pot Roast with Mushroom and Prune Gravy

Name: Classic Pot Roast with Mushroom and Prune Gravy
Yield: Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients: 1 , (3 1/2- to 4-pound) boneless beef chuck-eye roast, pulled into two pieces and trimmed of fat (see note); , Kosher salt and ground black pepper; 4 tablespoons, unsalted butter; 2 , medium onions, halved and sliced thin (about 2 cups); 1 , large carrot, chopped medium (about 1 cup); 1 , celery rib, chopped medium (about 3/4 cup); 2 , medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2 teaspoons); 1 cup, beef broth, plus 1 to 2 cups for sauce (see note); 1/2 cup, dark beer, porter or stout, plus 1/4 cup for sauce; 1 ounce, dried porcini mushroom, well rinsed; 1/2 cup, pitted prunes; 1 , bay leaf; 1 pound, cremini mushrooms, stem trimmed, caps wiped clean and cut into 1/4-inch slices; 1 sprig plus 1/4 teaspoon, chopped fresh thyme leaves

Main Courses
Vegetables
Beef
Roasts
Free Issue

Appears in Cook's Illustrated November/December 2010

These days, pot roasts come in all styles and flavors. But when we went looking for truly beefy taste, a simple 19th-century recipe proved the best guide.

SERVES 6 to 8

TIME 4¾ to 5¼ hours, plus 1 hour standing

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