Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 pounds beef brisket
  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped, with juice
  • 2 3/4 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought beef stock
  • 1/3 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 bag (14 1/2 ounces) prepared sauerkraut, drained
  • 1 cup pitted prunes
  • 1 cup dried Black Mission figs
  • 1 cup dried apricots
  • 1 cup pitted dates

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 400F.
  • Heat the oil in a large roasting pan over high heat.
  • Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  • Brown the beef in the pan all over, about 4 minutes per side.
  • Transfer to a platter.
  • Add the onions and garlic to the pan; reduce heat to medium.
  • Cook, stirring, until the onions just turn golden, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and juice, the stock, and the vinegar; bring to a boil.
  • Return the meat to the pan; cover with foil.
  • Cook in the oven until fork tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Turn the meat; add the sauerkraut and dried fruits.
  • Cover; cook until the meat is very tender and the sauce is reduced, about 1 1/2 hours.
  • Let stand 30 minutes.
  • Slice the meat against the grain.
  • Serve with sauce.