Ultimate Comfort Food: Slow-Cooked Beef Brisket with Caramelized Onions and Fresh Herbs
This slow-cooked beef brisket with caramelized onions and fresh herbs is a timeless, hearty meal that is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. The rich flavors of the beef are enhanced by the sweet caramelization of onions and the aromatic notes of rosemary and thyme. It’s a dish that requires patience, but the tender, melt-in-your-mouth results are worth the wait.
Ingredients:
– 4 lbs beef brisket, trimmed
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups beef broth
– 1 cup dry red wine
– 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
– 2 bay leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. **Prepare the brisket:** Season the beef brisket generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. **Sear the brisket:** In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the brisket and sear until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the brisket from the pot and set aside.
4. **Caramelize the onions:** In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat until they are soft and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. **Deglaze the pot:** Pour in the dry red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half, which should take about 5 minutes.
6. **Combine the ingredients:** Return the brisket to the pot, nestling it among the onions. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves.
7. **Cook the brisket:** Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the brisket is fork-tender.
8. **Rest and slice:** Once the brisket is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Slice the brisket against the grain into thin slices.
9. **Serve:** Serve the sliced brisket with the caramelized onions and a generous spoonful of the pan juices. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table!