My mother’s brisket recipe for tender, flavourful meals

Ingredients for My mother's brisket

• 2,250–2,700 g minced beef brisket (first-cut)

• 45 ml vegetable oil

• 450 g yellow onions, cut into 1.25 cm pieces

• 2–3 large garlic cloves, minced (or to taste)

• 5 ml paprika, preferably Hungarian

• 4.5 g salt

• 4.5 g freshly ground pepper

How to make My mother's brisket

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan 180°C).

2. In a large casserole dish or heavy baking pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the oven for 10 minutes.

3. Pat the brisket dry and season it generously with salt and pepper.

4. Roast the brisket in the pan, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

5. While the brisket is roasting, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan over moderate heat.

6. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to turn golden.

7. Reduce the heat and continue to cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply golden, about 20 minutes more.

8. Stir in the garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.

9. Add 720 ml of water and bring the mixture to a boil.

10. Spoon the onion mixture over the brisket and cover the dish with the lid slightly ajar.

11. Bake for 3½ hours, or until the brisket is tender, checking the pan every hour and adding more water if necessary.

12. Remove the brisket from the oven and let it cool in the onion mixture for 1 hour.

13. Once cooled, take the brisket out of the pan, scraping the onion mixture back into the pan, and wrap the brisket in foil to chill overnight.

14. Spoon the onion mixture into a 1-litre measuring jug and chill, covered, overnight.

15. Preheat the oven to 175°C (fan 165°C).

16. Discard any fat from the onion mixture, then add enough water to measure a total of 720 ml and blend the gravy until smooth.

17. Slice the brisket against the grain, to your preferred thickness.

18. In a large ovenproof frying pan, heat the gravy until hot, add the sliced brisket, and heat in the oven for 30 minutes.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.