Wine and Tomato Braised Brisket with Spicy Red Onion Jam

By Marge Perry & David Bonom


  • Yield:

    8-10 Servings


Ingredients

Brisket:

  • 2 cups dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 3 1/2 pound center cut brisket, trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

Spicy Red Onion Jam:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 1/2 pounds red onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. For the brisket, combine the wine, tomatoes and tomato paste in a bowl.
  3. Heat the oil in a 7-quart cast iron casserole over medium-high. Season the brisket with 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper; add to the casserole and cook until browned, 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the brisket to a plate and reserve. Return the casserole to the heat and stir in the celery, carrots, garlic and thyme; cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to soften, 2 minutes. Pour in the wine mixture, bring to a boil and cook 2 minutes. Return the brisket to the casserole, cover and place in the center of the oven. Cook 1 1/2 hours, turn the brisket over and cook an additional 1 1/2 hours until tender. Remove the casserole from the oven and let the brisket sit 20-30 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  4. Meanwhile, for the onion jam, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium. Add the onions, sugar, vinegar, salt and red pepper flakes; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very tender, 35-40 minutes.
  5. To serve, spoon some of the pan juices and vegetables over the sliced brisket and top with the onion jam.