This Braised Brisket is a true showstopper. The beef is slow-cooked to perfection, becoming so tender that it melts in your mouth. The rich, savory gravy is the perfect complement, making this a comforting and satisfying dish ideal for a cozy dinner a night for Rosh Hashanah Celebration,
Whether served for a Sunday roast or a special occasion, this braised brisket is sure to impress. The combination of fresh herbs and deep flavors in the gravy elevates this dish to another level, making it perfect for family gatherings or a hearty weeknight meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 lbs beef brisket
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 large onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup dry red wine
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
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2 sprigs fresh rosemary
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2 sprigs fresh thyme
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2 bay leaves
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
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In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper, and brown it on all sides (about 10 minutes total). Remove the brisket and set aside.
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In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until softened.
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Stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, and red wine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Add the beef broth, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Return the brisket to the pot, fat side up.
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Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Braise for 3-4 hours, or until the brisket is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
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Remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
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If you desire a thicker gravy, strain the liquid and return it to the pot. Bring to a simmer and whisk in cornstarch until the sauce thickens.
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Serve the brisket with the gravy spooned over the top.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Braised Brisket: A Delicious and Tender Rosh Hashanah Dish
Braised brisket has long been a centerpiece of Jewish holiday tables, especially for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This savory, slow-cooked dish is rich in flavor and steeped in tradition, making it a beloved favorite during family celebrations. Whether served with potatoes, vegetables, or a side of challah bread, braised brisket is an iconic part of the Rosh Hashanah feast, signifying abundance, blessings, and a sweet new year.
The Significance of Brisket for Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of a new year in the Jewish calendar, and food plays an essential role in the holiday’s traditions. Each dish prepared for the holiday carries symbolic meanings, and many foods are chosen for their associations with sweetness and prosperity. One of the most important and symbolic foods of Rosh Hashanah is the brisket, which represents the idea of abundance, both in terms of physical sustenance and blessings for the year ahead.
In Jewish culinary traditions, brisket is a cut of meat that is known for its tenderness when braised slowly. It is often prepared with aromatic herbs and spices to infuse the meat with rich flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for festive occasions. Brisket also holds special significance because of its connection to the concept of “sweetness” for the new year. Just as the meat becomes tender and succulent through the slow braising process, it symbolizes a soft and sweet year ahead.
Traditionally, brisket was a cut of meat that could be easily prepared in large quantities, making it ideal for feeding extended family members and guests during holidays. This long-standing tradition continues today, where the brisket takes center stage on Rosh Hashanah tables around the world, helping bring families together and create lasting memories.
The Perfect Braised Brisket: What Makes It So Special?
The secret to a great braised brisket lies in the slow-cooking process. By braising the brisket, you allow the collagen in the meat to break down slowly, which transforms the cut from a tough, fibrous piece of beef into a melt-in-your-mouth delight. The flavors of the herbs, spices, and any accompanying liquids whether wine, broth, or a combination permeate the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Braised brisket has a deep, savory flavor that comes from the slow cooking process. The fat on the brisket renders down during the braising, infusing the meat with richness. Along with the onions, garlic, and other ingredients typically used in braised brisket, the final dish has a delicious depth that perfectly complements the softness of the beef. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that warms the soul, especially when shared with loved ones during the holiday season.
Another key aspect of braised brisket is its versatility. While there are numerous ways to prepare this dish, the base ingredients a good cut of brisket, some aromatics, and a flavorful cooking liquid remain the same. Whether you prefer a red wine-based gravy or a beef broth mixture, the cooking method remains consistent. The slow cooking ensures that every bite is infused with the rich flavors of the cooking liquid and herbs, making each serving of brisket tender, juicy, and deeply satisfying.
The Ingredients That Elevate Braised Brisket
When preparing braised brisket, the ingredients used are crucial in developing the depth of flavor. While brisket itself is the star of the show, the right blend of herbs and spices enhances its natural taste and elevates the entire dish. Aromatic vegetables like onions and garlic provide a savory base, while herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves add a fragrant and earthy note.
One of the key ingredients in braised brisket is the cooking liquid. While some prefer to braise their brisket with a simple combination of beef broth and water, others incorporate dry red wine or tomato paste for added depth and richness. The acidity of the wine balances out the fattiness of the brisket, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors. Additionally, the longer the brisket cooks, the more concentrated and flavorful the gravy becomes, making it the perfect accompaniment for mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or challah bread.
Braised Brisket and Family Traditions
For many Jewish families, preparing and serving braised brisket is not just about the food; it’s about the tradition and the memories that are made. As the brisket slowly cooks in the oven, the kitchen fills with the mouth-watering aroma that signals the start of a celebration. The act of gathering around the dinner table, sharing a meal, and offering blessings to one another is what makes Rosh Hashanah so meaningful.
Braised brisket has become a symbol of family and togetherness. It is a dish that spans generations, with many families passing down their unique recipes from one year to the next. While the method of braising and the choice of ingredients may vary slightly between families, the underlying purpose of the dish remains the same: to bring people together in celebration of the new year.
In some families, braised brisket is a labor of love, with each member contributing to the meal in some way, whether it’s by chopping vegetables, stirring the pot, or simply setting the table. As the brisket braises in the oven, the anticipation builds as everyone looks forward to the meal that will nourish their bodies and hearts.
How to Serve Braised Brisket
Braised brisket is often served as the main course for Rosh Hashanah, alongside traditional side dishes like tzimmes, kugel, and challah. It pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, which help complement the savory flavors of the beef. The rich gravy made from the braising liquid can be spooned over mashed potatoes or served as a dipping sauce for challah.
In some households, brisket is accompanied by a sweet and tangy horseradish or applesauce, which provides a contrast to the rich, hearty flavors of the meat. The balance of savory and sweet flavors is an essential part of the Rosh Hashanah meal, symbolizing the wish for a sweet and prosperous new year.
Variations of Braised Brisket for Rosh Hashanah
While the traditional preparation of braised brisket is a favorite for many, there are numerous ways to put a personal twist on this classic dish. For instance, some families like to add sweet elements to their brisket, such as apples, prunes, or honey, which lend a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the meat.
Others may experiment with the choice of herbs and spices, adding a touch of cinnamon or allspice to give the dish a warm, fragrant undertone. Braised brisket can also be prepared in different types of cookware, from Dutch ovens to slow cookers, depending on your preference and available equipment.
Conclusion:
Braised brisket is more than just a delicious dish; it is a symbol of tradition, family, and celebration. Its tender, flavorful nature makes it a beloved staple on Rosh Hashanah tables, where it brings loved ones together to share in the joy of the Jewish New Year. Whether enjoyed with mashed potatoes, challah, or roasted vegetables, braised brisket is a dish that represents both abundance and sweetness, making it the perfect meal to ring in the new year.
As you prepare this dish for your own Rosh Hashanah celebration, remember that it’s not just about the food it’s about the moments shared with family and friends. The slow-cooked brisket is a reminder that good things take time, and with patience and care, the simplest ingredients can come together to create something truly special. So, as you gather around the table with loved ones this Rosh Hashanah, take a moment to savor not only the tender brisket but also the memories you’re making together.