Festive Hanukkah Wine-Braised Beef Brisket With Root Vegetables

Enjoy a heartwarming dish this Hanukkah with our wine-braised beef brisket served with roasted root vegetables, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Servings

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 15

Equipment

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Pot (For braising the brisket.)
Cutting Board (For chopping vegetables.)
Knife (For slicing the brisket and preparing vegetables.)
Measuring cups/spoons (For measuring out ingredients like wine and broth.)
Serving Platter (For presenting the brisket and vegetables.)

Ingredients

4 lb beef brisket
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion (large, thinly sliced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
3 carrots (medium, peeled and cut into chunks)
2 potatoes (medium, peeled and diced)
2 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
2 cup beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp thyme (dried)
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper (to taste)
**fresh parsley** (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Sear Brisket Until Browned
Searing the brisket until it's beautifully browned is an essential step in developing rich flavors for your dish. You might be wondering why browning is so important. Well, this process not only enhances the visual appeal of your brisket but also creates a depth of flavor that'll make your taste buds sing.
Start by generously seasoning the brisket with salt and pepper, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Then, in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil's shimmering, carefully place the brisket in the pot. Listen to that delightful sizzle as you sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want it to develop a gorgeous brown crust—it's one of those brisket techniques that can't be skipped! (For added flavoring to the brisket, sear with cloves of garlic and onions.)
Once both sides are browned, remove the brisket from the pot and let it rest. This simple step not only locks in the juices but also sets the stage for the delicious braising that follows.
Trust me, taking the time to sear your brisket will elevate your dish to a whole new level. Happy cooking!
Sauté Onions Until Golden
Achieving golden, sautéed onions is a pivotal moment in creating the rich flavor profile of your brisket dish. As you slice that large onion, you might be surprised at how such a simple ingredient can transform your meal.
Once the olive oil shimmers in your Dutch oven, it's time to toss in those onion slices. Let them sauté over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. You'll notice them start to soften—this is where the magic happens.
Onion caramelization isn't just a fancy term; it's your ticket to flavor enhancement. As the onions turn golden, they release their natural sugars, creating a sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements of your dish.
After about 5-7 minutes, when they're beautifully browned and fragrant, add the minced garlic. Oh, that aroma! It's like a warm hug in your kitchen.
Remember to stir constantly to keep the garlic from burning. This step is all about layering those flavors, setting the stage for the tender brisket to come. So, take a moment to savor this part of the process; it's where your dish truly begins to come alive!
Add Carrots and Potatoes
With the onions perfectly sautéed and golden, it's time to add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. These vibrant veggies aren't just there for show; they pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. Did you know that carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A? That's a double win for your health and your holiday feast!
Start by tossing in those beautiful carrot chunks. Give them a little stir, letting them mingle with the onions and garlic.
Next, bring in your choice of potato varieties—whether you go for Yukon Gold for their buttery flavor or red potatoes for their creamy texture, each will enhance the dish in its own way.
Cook everything together for just a couple of minutes. This helps the carrots and potatoes soften a bit and soak up all those lovely flavors from the pot.
Can you smell that? It's the aroma of comfort and warmth, setting the stage for the main event. You're almost there! Just imagine how delicious this will all taste as it braises together. Trust me, your family will thank you for this cozy dish!
Pour in Red Wine
Now, it's time to pour in the red wine, adding a rich depth of flavor to your braise. Choosing the right wine selection is essential here—go for a full-bodied red, like Cabernet Sauvignon, that'll complement the beef beautifully.
As you pour, notice how the wine glides into the pot, mingling with the sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes you've just added. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation.
Using proper braising techniques, you'll want to make sure everything gets well incorporated. Stir gently, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. This is where the magic happens—those flavors blend, creating a savory sauce that will envelop your brisket as it cooks.
Once everything's mixed, don't forget to return the brisket to the pot, nestling it into that glorious liquid. This step is critical; the brisket needs to be submerged to soak in all those flavors.
Simmer With Herbs and Broth
After returning the brisket to the pot, it's time to infuse the dish with aromatic herbs and flavorful broth. Envision this: your kitchen fills with the rich scent of thyme and bay leaves as you create an herb infusion that marries beautifully with the red wine.
You'll want to pour in the beef broth next, deepening that luscious flavor. As you stir, think about how these ingredients come together to create a warm embrace for the brisket, coaxing out its tender side.
Make sure the brisket is fully submerged; no one likes a dry bite! Cover the pot tightly, sealing in all that deliciousness, and let it simmer in the oven for those essential hours.
But don't forget to check halfway through! You wouldn't want it to dry out, so add more broth if needed. Can you imagine the anticipation building as the beef absorbs every drop of flavor?
Trust me, your patience will be rewarded. When it's finally fork-tender, you'll know you've created something truly special, perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones. Enjoy the warmth of tradition with every savory bite!

Nutrition

Calories: 674kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 66gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 187mgSodium: 609mgPotassium: 1635mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 5214IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 7mg

Calories: 674kcal

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Jewish

Keyword: Festive Meals, Hanukkah Recipes, Jewish Cuisine, Wine Braised Brisket