Directions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare the Brisket: Pat the beef brisket dry with paper towels and season generously with salt.
- Sear the Meat: In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the brisket and sear on all sides until browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the brisket and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until they are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the beef broth and red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the tomato paste and stir until well combined.
- Braise the Brisket: Return the brisket to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook the brisket for 3-4 hours, or until it is fork-tender. Check occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid, adding more broth if necessary.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite sides.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil (if your pot doesn’t have a lid)
Tips and Shortcuts
- Quick Searing: If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step. While searing adds flavor, the brisket will still be delicious without it.
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices. Adding a bit of chili powder can give the brisket a nice kick.
- Liquid Substitutes: If you don’t have red wine, you can use additional beef broth or even a dark beer for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Option: This brisket can be made a day ahead and reheated. The flavors often deepen and improve after a day in the fridge.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover beef brisket can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the brisket in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through. You can also freeze the brisket for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.