Brasato alla Siciliana (Sicilian-Style Pot Roast)

Preheat oven to 350° F.

In a heavy Dutch oven heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over moderate heat until hot but not smoking add the pot roast and brown on all sides. Remove pot roast to a plate.

Add the ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil to the Dutch oven and heat olive oil. When the oil is hot add red pepper flakes and garlic and cook until aroma is apparent, DO NOT allow garlic to brown!

Add wine, the sugar and tomato sauce/crushed tomatoes, grated lemon peel and the olives to the pan and bring to a simmer.

Add the pot roast to the sauce and add enough beef stock as to allow the liquid to come up 2/3 of the way up the beef. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley to the sauce and check for seasoning.

Bring the pot roast to a simmer on top of the stove, skim, cover tightly, and set in the lower third of a 350 degree preheated oven. Regulate heat so that the liquid remains at a gentle simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the beef is tender. Turn the roast over several times during its braising.

Transfer roast to a cutting board and let stand 10 minutes, covered with aluminum foil to keep warm. Slice roast to your preference and serve topped with the tomato sauce. Polenta and crusty Italian or French make excellent accompaniments.