Ina Garten Style Honey-Glazed Brisket

 

For a Honey-Glazed Brisket, a chef renowned for their expertise in hearty, flavorful dishes and a knack for traditional cooking methods is Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa. Her approach to cooking is both elegant and approachable, making her recipes a great choice for a dish like Honey-Glazed Brisket. Here's a recipe inspired by her cooking style:

Ingredients:

  • 1 (5 to 6 pounds) beef brisket, trimmed
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions:

  • Preheat and Prep:
    • Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
    • Season the brisket on both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Brown the Brisket:
    • In a large oven-proof pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add the brisket and sear on both sides until nicely browned. Remove the brisket and set aside.
  • Cook the Aromatics:
    • In the same pot, add the sliced onions and cook until they start to soften.
    • Add the minced garlic, paprika, and cumin, and cook for another minute.
  • Deglaze and Add Liquids:
    • Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
    • Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Add the bay leaves and a few sprigs of thyme.
  • Braise the Brisket:
    • Return the brisket to the pot. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the meat.
    • Bring to a simmer, then cover and place in the preheated oven.
    • Braise for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the brisket is very tender.
  • Glaze and Finish:
    • Near the end of cooking, baste the brisket with the pan juices to create a glaze.
    • Once cooked, remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes.
  • Slice and Serve:
    • Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the pan juices spooned over the top.
    • Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.

This Honey-Glazed Brisket, inspired by Ina Garten's cooking style, is perfect for a comforting and impressive meal. The combination of sweet honey and rich beef flavors, along with the aromatic spices, creates a dish that's both deeply flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.