Help a vegetarian!

NextSteps

I don't know what came over me. I bought a 'round roast' in Superquinn last night, thinking I'd make a nice dinner for the boyfriend. When I got it home I realised I didn't know what on earth to do with it. I've no problem cooking meat (it's interesting) but I've always been a vegetarian and haven't really progressed beyond lamb cutlets and fries. Can anyone tell me:

• What's the best way of preparing a round roast (bake, stew, boil?). I saw this recipe: http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2005/12/beef_stew_with_root_vegetables.php; d'you think it would work?
• What should I serve with it (roast potatoes, I suppose, and the leek tart I was going to make anyway)? Do I have to make gravy?
• How long is this project going to take me (Meat always seems like it takes forever)?

Thanks!

The Hill Billy

Take a step back & decide first what way the bf would prefer it - stewed or roasted? If you're not used to cooking meat I'd advise the stew option. Then you don't have to worry so much about whether the meat is served well or medium or whatever. You don't have to fret about doing a gravy either.

That recipe looks nice enough. If you do go for it I'd suggest the following minor changes (in bold):

Add in the onions, garlic and a tablespoon of water, and cook for a few minutes until translucent.
Remove from pan & set aside on a plate.
Add in a drop more olive oil & brown the beef in batches. This prevents the beef from cooling the pan stewing immediately in its own juices.
Remove the meat and set aside on a plate & put back in the onions.
Add in the carrots, parsnips and potatoes, season with salt, pepper and cumin, and cook for five minutes, stirring regularly.