Beef Braised in Red Wine with Porcini Mushrooms

Wow, this one is a keeper, it's one of my favorites.  I usually serve it with a great Barolo.  The beef improves in flavor if made 3 days ahead.


2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (3- to 3 1/2-pound) boneless beef chuck roast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 pound sliced pancetta, finely chopped
6 oz. dried Porcini mushrooms
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 (4- to 6-inch) sprigs fresh thyme
2 (6- to 8-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups full-bodied red wine such as Ripasso Valpolicella, Gigondas, or Côtes du Rhône
2 cups water

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 325°F.

Heat oil in a 4-5 qt. heavy ovenproof pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking.

Meanwhile, pat meat dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Brown meat in hot oil on all sides, about 10 minutes total. (If bottom of pot begins to scorch, lower heat to moderate.) Transfer to a plate using a fork and tongs.

Add pancetta to oil in pot and sauté over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until browned and fat is rendered, about 3 minutes. Add onion, carrot, and celery and sauté, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary and sauté, stirring, until garlic begins to soften and turn golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine and boil until liquid is reduced by about half, about 5 minutes. Add water and mushrooms, bring to a simmer, then return meat along with any juices accumulated on plate to pot. Cover pot with lid and transfer to oven. Braise until meat is very tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Transfer meat to a cutting board. Skim fat from surface of sauce and discard along with herb stems. Boil sauce until reduced by about one third, about 5 minutes, then season with salt. Cut meat across the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices and return to sauce. 

If making ahead of time, do not slice beef.  Cool completely in sauce, uncovered, then chill in sauce, covered.  To reheat; cover and place in a preheated 350°F oven until hot, 25 to 30 minutes, then slice meat.

Serve with Creamy Polenta (recipe follows) and enjoy!