Recipe: Classic Beef Brisket With Caramelized Onions

Serves 8.

Note: This is a classic brisket recipe with no bells and whistles, just deep flavor, moist, succulent meat and lots of caramelized onions. The only caveat: Buy a brisket that's not too lean. You want it well marbled with fat or the result will be dry, not juicy. From David Tanis.

• 3 tbsp. kosher salt

• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

• 1 tsp. paprika (preferably Hungarian)

• Pinch of cayenne

• 5 to 7 lb. beef brisket (not too lean)

• 12 cloves

• 1 whole head of garlic

• 3 bay leaves

• 3 allspice berries

• 6 large onions, peeled, and sliced crosswise 1/4-in. thick

• Parsley sprigs, for garnish

• 1/4 c. slivered green onions, optional

Directions

In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika and cayenne. Season brisket generously on all sides with salt mixture. (Use about 2 tablespoons and reserve remaining mixture.) If possible, wrap and refrigerate several hours or overnight, then bring to room temperature.

Heat oven to 300 degrees. Place brisket in a shallow roasting pan or earthenware baking dish. Pour wine and 2 cups water over the brisket, then add cloves, garlic, bay leaves and allspice berries.

Meanwhile, place a large skillet over high heat and add olive oil. Add remaining onions and season with remaining salt mixture. As onions begin to brown, reduce heat to medium. Cook, uncovered, turning onion slices with a spatula every few minutes until caramelized and fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water to onions and simmer a few minutes more. (For more flavor, use broth from the brisket pan instead.) Onions may be prepared in advance and reheated.

To serve, transfer brisket to a cutting board. Trim extraneous fat from meat. With a large knife, cut meat across the grain into 1/4-inch slices. Strain braising liquid into a saucepan (discard solids left in strainer) and skim any rising fat from surface.

Arrange sliced meat on a platter. Cover with caramelized onions and ladle some hot braising liquid over. Garnish with parsley sprigs and sprinkle with scallions, if using. Serve remaining juices separately.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories560Fat30 gSodium2,220 mg

Protein60 gCholesterol180 mgDietary fiber2 g

Alcohol1 g