Jewish-Style Braised Brisket With Onions and Carrots Recipe

"[Photograph: Daniel Gritzer] Jewish brisket can be tender or moist, but usually not both, since the long cooking required to tenderize the meat also dries it out. This recipe includes steps that help maximize juiciness while still delivering fork-tender meat. Why It Works * Browning the brisket deepens its flavor. * Braising the brisket completely covered helps trap moisture. * Thinly slicing the meat and then submerging it in the braising liquid helps to reinfuse it with juices. * Yield:Serves 6 to 8 * Active time: 45 minutes * Total time:5 hours 30 minutes Ingredients * 6 pounds (2.75kg) whole beef brisket (see note) * Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper * 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil * 2 pounds yellow onions (1kg; about 5 medium), sliced 1/4 inch thick * 1 pound carrots (450g; about 6 medium), cut into large dice * 1/2 pound celery (225g; about 4 large ribs), cut into large dice * 6 medium cloves garlic * 1 cup (240ml) dry red wine * 1/3 cup (80ml) ketchup * 1 (14-ounce; 400g) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand, with their juices * 4 sprigs thyme * 2 bay leaves Directions * 1. If Using a Stainless Steel Roasting Pan: Season brisket all over with salt and pepper. Set a large stainless steel roasting pan over 2 burners set to medium-high heat, add oil, and heat until shimmering. Add brisket and brown on both sides, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer brisket to a work surface. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to roasting pan and cook, stirring, until just starting to brown in spots, about 6 minutes; season with salt. Add wine and bring to a simmer while scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan. Stir in ketchup and tomatoes and return brisket to roasting pan, nestling it among vegetables. * 2. If Using a Disposable Aluminum Roasting Pan: Preheat broiler and set oven rack to highest position. Season brisket all over with salt and pepper and place on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Broil brisket, turning once, until browned on both sides, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer brisket to a disposable aluminum roasting pan. Remove rack from baking sheet, pour wine into baking sheet, and scrape up any browned bits on bottom. Meanwhile, in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring, until starting to brown in spots, about 6 minutes; season with salt. Add wine to vegetables and bring to a simmer, then stir in ketchup and tomatoes. Scrape vegetables into roasting pan with brisket. * 3. Add thyme and bay leaves to roasting pan and cover well with foil. Set oven to 300°F (150°C) and cook brisket on middle rack until fork-tender, 3 to 4 hours. * 4. Transfer brisket to a work surface and let rest 30 minutes. Skim fat from surface of braising liquid and season liquid with salt and pepper; discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Slice brisket thinly against the grain, then transfer back to braising liquid, making sure to submerge slices well. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes in a warm place. Serve. Brisket can be made up to 4 days ahead and refrigerated whole or sliced in its braising liquid. Reheat gently before serving. Special Equipment Stainless steel roasting pan, or disposable aluminum baking pan and rimmed baking sheet with wire rack Notes For the juiciest brisket, try to use one that still has the second cut (also called the point or the deckle) attached. It has more intramuscular fat than the more common, lean first cut, and will remain moister as a result. If using just the first cut, be sure not to trim any fat—it needs the fat for moistness...."