Sylvia's Savory Slow-Cooked Brisket
This cherished family recipe, lovingly passed down through generations, embodies the essence of comfort and celebration. Originally crafted by my mother for Jewish holidays such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, this brisket dish has found its way into the hearts—and onto the tables—of many, including my non-Jewish friends who prefer it over traditional holiday meats. The secret lies in its simplicity: tender, juicy beef brisket slow-cooked in a rich tomato and mushroom sauce, infused with aromatic vegetables and spices. This dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the soul, making it an ideal centerpiece for any festive gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef brisket
3 lbs (whole)
tomato paste
2 (8 ounce) cans (none)
water
2 (8 ounce) cans (none)
sliced mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
onions
2 medium (sliced)
carrots
2 (sliced)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic powder
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by browning the brisket in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, ensuring a nice crust forms on both sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
2
Once browned, transfer the brisket to a deep pot or Dutch oven. In the same pan, combine tomato paste with an equal amount of water, stirring to create a uniform sauce.
3
Pour the sauce over the brisket, followed by adding the sliced onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Sprinkle the garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
4
Ensure the brisket is mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently for about 2-1/2 hours or until the brisket is fork-tender.
5
After cooking, allow the pot to cool, then refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and makes skimming the fat easier in the next step.
6
The following day, skim the fat off the surface of the sauce. Remove the brisket from the pot and slice it against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices.
7
In a foil pan, layer the bottom with some of the vegetables and sauce, then place the sliced brisket on top. Pour additional sauce and vegetables over the brisket, continuing this layering process until all ingredients are used.
8
Cover the pan tightly with heavy aluminum foil. You can store this brisket in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
9
When ready to serve, thaw the brisket overnight if frozen. Heat the oven to 300°F (150°C), and bake the thawed brisket covered for one hour. Serve warm, ensuring you spoon some of the delicious sauce over the slices.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sylvia's Savory Slow-Cooked Brisket?
It is a cherished family recipe for tender, juicy beef brisket slow-cooked in a rich tomato and mushroom sauce, traditionally served during Jewish holidays.
Which holidays is this brisket recipe typically prepared for?
This recipe was originally crafted for Jewish holidays such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.
Can I serve this brisket to guests who do not follow Jewish traditions?
Yes, many non-Jewish friends prefer this dish over traditional holiday meats because of its delicious flavor.
What is the first step in preparing the brisket?
Begin by browning the brisket in a large frying pan over medium-high heat to form a nice crust on both sides.
Why is it important to brown the brisket?
Browning the brisket adds depth of flavor to the final dish.
What type of pot should I use for cooking?
A deep pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the sauce for the brisket?
In the pan used for browning, combine tomato paste with an equal amount of water and stir to create a uniform sauce.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for sliced onions, carrots, and mushrooms.
What spices are used to season the brisket?
The seasoning includes garlic powder, sugar, salt, and pepper.
How much beef brisket is needed?
The recipe requires 3 lbs of beef brisket.
How long should the brisket simmer?
The brisket should simmer gently for about 2-1/2 hours or until it is fork-tender.
Should the brisket be submerged in the sauce?
Yes, ensure the brisket is mostly submerged in the sauce during the simmering process.
Why should I refrigerate the brisket overnight after cooking?
Refrigerating overnight allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to skim the fat off the surface.
When should I slice the brisket?
The brisket should be sliced the following day, after it has been refrigerated and the fat has been skimmed.
What is the proper way to slice the brisket?
The brisket should be sliced against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices.
How is the brisket layered for final heating?
Layer the bottom of a foil pan with vegetables and sauce, then place the sliced brisket on top, repeating until all ingredients are used.
Can I freeze Sylvia's Savory Slow-Cooked Brisket?
Yes, you can freeze the brisket in a tightly covered pan for long-term storage.
How long can the brisket be stored in the refrigerator?
The brisket can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What is the reheating temperature for the brisket?
Heat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius) for reheating.
How long does it take to bake the brisket before serving?
Bake the covered brisket for one hour when ready to serve.
What should I do if the brisket is frozen before serving?
If the brisket is frozen, you should thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
How should the sauce be served with the brisket?
Serve the brisket warm and ensure you spoon some of the sauce and vegetables over the slices.
How many cans of tomato paste are used?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce cans of tomato paste.
What amount of mushrooms is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
How many onions and carrots are required?
The recipe calls for 2 medium sliced onions and 2 sliced carrots.
What is the measurement for sugar in this recipe?
One tablespoon of sugar is used in the sauce.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of garlic powder.
What is the recommended slice thickness for the meat?
The slices should be approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Does the recipe use water?
Yes, use two 8-ounce cans of water to mix with the tomato paste.
What makes this dish an ideal centerpiece?
Its combination of tender meat, rich sauce, and soul-warming quality makes it perfect for festive gatherings.