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

Method

  • 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.