Wine Braised Brisket

Ingredients

• 1 (2 1/2 to 3 pound) lean brisket
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 3 tablespoons COLAVITA Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 leek, top and bottom separated, top reserved, bottom half thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups Cabernet Sauvignon, or other dry red wine
• 1 quart beef broth
• 4 - 6 carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
• 3 stalks celery, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups pearl onions (if using frozen, defrost and pat dry)
• 1 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glace

• In cheesecloth wrap and tie:

• 1 bay leaf, lightly crushed
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs Italian parsley
• The leaves from the top of a celery stalk
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 10 peppercorns

Method

Step 1

Heat the oven to 325°F. Pat the brisket dry and season with salt and pepper (if using a kosher brisket, use a light hand with the salt). In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil; when hot, but not smoking, add the brisket and brown on both sides. Remove the brisket, lower the heat and add the chopped onion and leek. Saute until soft. Stir in the flour; saute for a few minutes, then add the wine. Simmer until reduced by half, stirring occasionally. Add the herb packet and stock to the pot, stir well, then add the meat. Bring to a simmer; cover and place in the oven to cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until fork tender. During the last hour of the cooking time, add the carrots and celery.

Step 2

While the meat is cooking, prepare the onions. If using fresh, blanch and peel the onions. In a saute pan, heat the remaining tablespoon olive oil over medium heat; add the onions and saute until golden brown. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and stir in the glace. Set-aside.

Step 3

Once the meat is fork tender and the vegetables are cooked, remove them to a warm serving platter, tent and keep warm. Remove the herb packet; simmer and reduce the sauce by 1/2, about 10 minutes. Stir in the caramelized pearl onions, taste and adjust seasonings.

Step 4

Slice the meat against the grain; serve with sauce and vegetables. Makes 6 - 8 servings