Mediterranean Braised Beef

Ingredients

1. 1 boneless beef chuck shoulder pot roast (2-1/2 to 3 pounds)
2. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
4. 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
5. 2 small onions, halved, sliced
6. 4 medium shallots, sliced
7. 1/4 cup chopped pitted dates
8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
9. 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Lightly coat beef pot roast with flour. Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat until hot. Brown pot roast; remove.
2. Add 1-1/2 cups water and vinegar to Dutch oven; cook and stir until brown bits attached to pan are dissolved. Return pot roast. Add onions, shallots, dates, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Cover tightly and cook in 325°F oven 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until pot roast is fork-tender. Remove pot roast; keep warm.
3. Cook liquid and vegetables over medium-high heat to desired consistency. Carve pot roast. Serve with sauce.