Beer-Braised Beef

By Jenusa

Ingredients

• One 3-pound brisket, first cut
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
• 3 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 ribs celery, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 cups chicken stock
• Two 12-ounce bottles brown ale

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and adjust a rack to the lower third of oven.

Remove the brisket from the refrigerator and let rest for 1 hour to come up to room temperature.

Pat the brisket dry and sprinkle it generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a Dutch over or braising pot set over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket in the oil until well browned, about 4 minutes. Carefully flip and sear on the reverse side for another 4 minutes. Remove the brisket to a plate.

To the pot, add the garlic, onions, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary and bay leaf. Saute until golden, about 8 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the vinegar, chicken stock and beer, and bring to a simmer, scrapping up any bits that are stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Nestle the brisket into the pot, making space between the vegetables, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Place in the oven and cook for 3 1/2 hours, or until fork tender. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Serve on a platter along with the vegetables and any extra braising liquid as a sauce.