Brown the beef on all sides in a little oil in a heavy pot. Put in all the sliced vegetables. Add the salt and honey and enough cold water to cover everything. Bring to a boil; then simmer gently for 3 hours or until the beef is tender. Add more water if necessary. To thicken, melt the shortening in another pan, stir in the flour and some of the liquid from the meat and vegetables, let it thicken, and then stir in the remaining liquid. Add the meat and vegetables to this gravy and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Serves 6–8.
3 pounds beef brisket or flank 1½ pounds carrots, sliced thick 5 medium potatoes, sliced 1-inch thick 3 medium sweet potatoes, sliced thick 1 onion, sliced 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup honey 1 cup raisins 2 tablespoons shortening 2 tablespoons flour