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Slow Braised Beef Brisket

This Slow Braised Beef Brisket captures the essence of Hanukkah with tender, juicy meat and a flavorful sauce, perfect for festive gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Jewish
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 4 to 5 pounds beef brisket (second cut or flat cut) Choose a good quality brisket with some marbling for tenderness.
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into rounds
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef stock Homemade stock elevates flavor, but store-bought is acceptable.
  • 1 cup pomegranate juice Can substitute with cranberry juice or apple cider.
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 leaves bay leaves
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Season generously.
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil For searing.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the beef brisket dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket until it is deeply browned on both sides, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Remove the meat and set it aside on a plate.
Cooking
  1. In the same pot, add the sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  2. Add the carrots, celery, and garlic to the onions. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
  4. Pour in the pomegranate juice and balsamic vinegar, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Stir in the beef stock and honey. Return the brisket to the pot, along with any juices that collected on the plate.
  6. Place the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves around the meat. The liquid should come about halfway up the side of the beef.
  7. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Place it in the oven and braise for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is very tender when pierced with a fork.
  8. Once finished, remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 20 minutes.
  9. Slice the brisket against the grain into thin slices. Arrange the slices on a platter and pour the warm sauce and vegetables over the top before serving.

Notes

Serve the brisket warm, ideally with traditional sides like latkes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy challah bread.
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