Braised Beef Pot Roast

2 pounds sirloin , 1 inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil, or canola oil
2 onions, cut in eighths
8 carrots, cut in 2 inch pieces
4 ribs celery, cut in 2 inch pieces
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 cups beef broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim fat from beef. Cut a length of kitchen string about four times the length of the roast and wrap once around the length, then around width several times, tying where it comes together. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over moderately high heat.

Brown beef on all sides. Transfer to a plate. Add vegetables to pan and saute for about 7 minutes or until browned and slightly softened. Transfer to a plate.

Return beef to pan. Add wine vinegar, stock, herbs, salt and pepper. Stir to blend. Cover and simmer gently about two hours, turning meat every 30 minutes.

Return vegetables to pot, cover, and simmer about 15 minutes, or until beef is very tender. Discard bay leaf. Slice meat and arrange on platter surrounded by vegetables. Serve with pot juices. Serves 8.