French Onion Brisket with Porcini Mushrooms
Three onions may seem like a lot, but when cooked low and slow for several hours, they melt into the braising liquid and create a wonderful gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 200 minutes
- Yield: 6 + servings
- Category: Main Course
Ingredients
- 2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms, (about 1 heaping cup)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 4–5 pounds brisket, (preferably grass-fed)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, tallow, duck fat (or your preferred cooking fat)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 large onions, (sliced thin)
- 3–4 large carrots, (whole or sliced lengthwise)
- 6 garlic cloves, (peeled but left whole)
- 12–15 fresh crimini mushrooms (whole, stemmed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300ºF.
- Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl and the boiling water over them. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes, or until you’re ready to add them to the brisket.
- Pat the brisket dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Place a large heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add the oil or cooking fat. Once hot, add the brisket and sear for three minutes on each side. Remove to a plate and brush with tomato paste on both sides.
- Add the onions to the pot and turn the heat to medium. Sauté them for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and soft, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the mushrooms in a strainer lined with a cheesecloth, reserving the liquid they were in.
- Once the onions are golden brown, add the carrots, then the brisket, then the garlic, porcini and cremini mushrooms and the liquid from the mushrooms.
- Cover tightly and put in the oven for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the brisket to a cutting board and slice at an angle against the grain, in 1/4-inch slices. Return the brisket back to the braising liquid, keeping them as close to the original shape of the brisket as possible. (see make-ahead tip in notes) Cover and cook for an additional 1 1/2 hours, or more if necessary, until it’s tender.
Notes
If not serving the brisket the day you make it: You can refrigerate after slicing and returning to the braising liquid, and finish cooking it when you’re ready to serve. Make sure to allow extra time since you’ll be starting with cold brisket.