I have two favorite pot roast recipes posted on this site this one requires just a little more effort as the onions and garlic are sauteed in the pot before hand --- this will also work well using a pork shoulder roast, the veggies are optional but I most always add them about the last 1-1/2 hours of cooking time, cooking time is only estimated depending on the size of your roast.
Season the roast all over generously with seasoning salt and pepper.
02Heat oil in a small roasting pan that has a lid.
03Brown the roast well on ALL sides, this should take about 20 minutes; remove to a plate (make certain to really brown the roast well, it will add to the flavor of the gravy).
04To the same roaster pan add in onions, garlic, dried thyme, basil and dried chili peppers (if using) and the bay leaf; saute, stirring with a wooden spoon for about 5 minutes.
05Add in tomato paste and stir with a wooden spoon for 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
06Add in the wine, consumme, broth and onion soup mix (do not add in any salt as yet!) bring to a boil and simmer on top of the stove for 5 minutes.
07Set oven to 350 degrees.
08Place the roast fat-side up in the broth mix and cover the roaster.
09Cook in the oven for about 1 hour.
10Remove from oven and turn the roast onto the other side.
11At this point, add in small potatoes, chopped carrots and/or small fresh button mushrooms if desired, and season the gravy with salt if needed.
12Place back in the oven to cook for another 1-1/2 hours, or until roast is tender (if the roast is not tender yet, turn over yet again and place back in the oven , cook until tender).
13Remove the roast to a cutting board and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
14Remove any fat from on top of the gravy and serve with roast.
15**NOTE** If you prefer a thick gravy, mix 2-3 tablespoons COLD water with 2 tablespoons flour to make a paste add to the simmering gravy and stir until thickened.