Apricot Brisket Recipe

Name: Apricot Brisket
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 225 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 6 pounds beef brisket; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves crushed garlic; 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix; 1 pound dried apricots

Cook Time: 210 minutes

Beef Brisket with Apricots Recipe

This savory and sweet dish combines tender beef brisket with dried apricots, creating a unique and flavorful meal. Here's how to prepare it.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 pounds beef brisket
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1 pound dried apricots

Directions

In a large heavy skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, brown the beef brisket on all sides. If the brisket is too large, cut it in half and brown each piece separately.
Transfer the browned brisket to a large Dutch oven with a lid.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion to the drippings. Saut over medium heat until the onions begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the onions and saut for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour the sauted onions and garlic over the brisket in the Dutch oven.
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the brisket and onions. Arrange the dried apricots on top of the soup mix.
Pour enough water around the edges of the brisket (not on top) to cover the sides of the meat.
Cover the Dutch oven and bake in a preheated oven at 325F (160C) for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, check the liquid level in the Dutch oven. If it is looking dry, add a bit more water around the brisket, cover, and continue baking for another hour.
Remove the lid and stir the apricots into the gravy. Leave the Dutch oven uncovered and continue baking for an additional hour, stirring occasionally.
If the gravy becomes too thick during the final hour of baking, add more water to achieve the desired consistency.
After 2.5 hours of baking, the meat should be very tender. If it is not yet fork-tender, bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Once the brisket is tender, slice it across the grain and serve with the apricot gravy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	822
Total Fat	44g	56%
Saturated Fat	16g	78%
Cholesterol	185mg	62%
Sodium	550mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	52g	19%
Dietary Fiber	6g	22%
Total Sugars	41g
Protein	56g	113%
Vitamin C	3mg	3%
Calcium	71mg	5%
Iron	7mg	40%
Potassium	1424mg	30%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Apricot Brisket is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the tenderness of slow-cooked brisket with the sweetness of dried apricots, creating a rich and hearty meal that is perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners. The combination of savory and sweet elements is what makes this dish truly stand out, especially with the added depth of flavor from onion soup mix and garlic.

Origin and History

Brisket is a traditional cut of meat in many cuisines, particularly in Jewish, American, and Central European dishes. The use of dried fruits in savory meat dishes has a long history, especially in Middle Eastern and Eastern European cooking, where sweet and savory combinations are commonly found. The Apricot Brisket recipe is believed to have evolved as a modern American take on these age-old culinary traditions, incorporating dried apricots for a subtle sweetness that complements the richness of the beef. This dish is commonly served at holiday gatherings and family meals, showcasing the versatility and richness of the brisket.

Regional Variations

While the Apricot Brisket itself does not belong to a specific regional cuisine, it draws inspiration from various cooking traditions. In the United States, brisket is often associated with Jewish cooking, particularly during Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Passover. In these celebrations, brisket is a beloved choice due to its ability to feed a large group and its deep, satisfying flavor. In other regions, such as parts of the Middle East and Eastern Europe, the use of dried fruits in meat dishes is a common practice, and similar flavor profiles can be found in dishes like lamb with apricots or stews with prunes and figs.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

At first glance, Apricot Brisket may seem similar to other slow-braised beef dishes, but it stands out due to the addition of apricots. Many traditional brisket recipes rely on savory ingredients like onions, garlic, and broth, but the apricots add a natural sweetness that gives the dish a more complex and balanced flavor profile. Unlike other stews that focus purely on savory or umami flavors, Apricot Brisket marries sweetness with the rich taste of beef, creating a more multi-dimensional taste. This dish is also distinguished by the use of onion soup mix, which imparts a depth of flavor that is not found in every brisket recipe.

Where It Is Typically Served

Apricot Brisket is often served during major holidays, especially in Jewish households for Rosh Hashanah and Passover, where it pairs perfectly with side dishes like kugel, latkes, or roasted vegetables. It is also a popular choice for family gatherings, weekend meals, and celebrations due to its hearty nature and ability to feed a large group. The dish can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious apricot-infused gravy. Its also ideal for serving to guests, as it can be made in advance and easily reheated, making it both practical and impressive.

Interesting Facts

The use of dried apricots in savory dishes is an ancient practice, particularly in regions like the Middle East, where fruits are dried to preserve them and used in a variety of stews and meat dishes.
Brisket is a notoriously tough cut of meat, but slow cooking it, especially in a Dutch oven, allows the meat to become tender and flavorful over time.
In Jewish tradition, brisket is a symbol of abundance and is often served during important family occasions and holiday meals.
The combination of apricots and beef is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, particularly vitamin A and potassium from the apricots.
While the dish is typically made with dried apricots, fresh apricots can be used as an alternative, adding a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Apricot Brisket is a standout dish that combines the flavors of sweet apricots and savory beef in a way that is both comforting and sophisticated. Its origins lie in the rich culinary traditions of both Jewish and Middle Eastern cuisines, but it has become an American classic, perfect for family dinners and special occasions. Whether you are making it for the holidays or just a weekend treat, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Apricot Brisket Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the brisket ahead of time. Once the cooking is complete, allow the dish to cool, then refrigerate it. Reheat it gently before serving. The flavors may even improve as it sits overnight.

Yes, you can substitute dried apricots with other dried fruits like peaches, prunes, or cranberries. The flavor profile will change, but it will still provide a deliciously sweet and savory combination.

Leftover brisket should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the brisket for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this recipe. Brown the brisket and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until the meat is tender.

This recipe works best with a well-marbled beef brisket, such as a flat cut or point cut. The marbling helps keep the meat moist and tender during the slow cooking process.

Yes, you can make this recipe without onion soup mix. Consider substituting with your own blend of seasonings, such as onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. You may also use a homemade onion broth.

If you need to adjust the serving size, simply scale the ingredients proportionally. For example, halve the recipe for 3 servings or double it for a larger group. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if the brisket size changes significantly.

While you can cook the brisket at a higher temperature, it’s recommended to cook it slowly at a low temperature (around 325°F) to ensure the meat remains tender and juicy. Cooking at a higher temperature may result in tougher meat.

This apricot brisket pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over rice or couscous for a complete meal.

If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered for a longer period of time, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with a little water and adding it to the gravy to thicken it quickly.

Comments

Steven Young

05/24/2023 01:49:08 AM

Fantastic recipe! After reading the feedback, I made some tweaks. I opted for Knorr French Onion Soup Mix and reduced the amount of apricots to 3/4 cup. Using a 3-pound chuck roast, I browned it before transferring it to a crock pot on high for 3 hours. I followed the recipe, browning onions and garlic, but I pre-cooked carrots in the microwave for 7 minutes and boiled 6 potatoes for 45 minutes. I added the cooked carrots and potatoes to the crock pot for another half hour. In total, it took 4 hours. The meat turned out tender, and the gravy was sweet and delicious! Next time, I might add a bit of water before adding the carrots and potatoes to increase the gravy, as the potatoes absorbed some of it. But overall, it was still amazingly delicious!

Sharon Williams

11/17/2023 08:46:29 AM

I have been preparing this recipe for a few years now, making some tweaks that truly elevate the dish to a whole new level. To start, I sear the beef in a delicious combination of butter and olive oil. Next, I incorporate shallots and a generous amount of garlic to enhance the flavors. However, the game-changer is using blackberry and/or cherry wine along with beef broth to braise the beef instead of water. If more liquid is needed, I simply continue adding wine. I usually let it simmer for the full 3 1/2 hours, resulting in meat that is incredibly juicy and tender. The caramelized onions and apricots combined with the fruity wine create a delightful sweet and savory harmony that is simply irresistible.

Michelle Lopez

05/25/2023 09:14:40 AM

I prepare brisket in a unique way that results in equally delicious flavor. Instead of the traditional method, I enhance the dish by adding a dry onion soup mix underneath and on top of the brisket. To further enhance the taste, I mix in both crushed pineapple and its juices on top, blending it with a fork. I also incorporate the same amount of crushed pineapple underneath the meat, ensuring that both ingredients are well combined. The subtle yet rich flavor that emerges when the pineapple mingles with the onion soup mix is simply delightful.

Donald Wilson

08/07/2024 10:07:47 AM

This dish turned out really well! I prepared a 4lb brisket and followed the recipe with all the ingredients. I decided to use only 1 cup of chopped apricots. I cooked it in the crock pot overnight and it was perfect for dinner the following day! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

Timothy Walker

12/21/2024 05:22:33 AM

I have made this dish in the slow cooker twice now, both times for gatherings, and on both occasions, my guests requested the recipe and followed up with me to make sure they received it. It is incredibly easy to make, so I would consider it a success. The sweetness of the apricots pairs perfectly with the beef...so delicious!

Timothy Flores

09/23/2024 02:50:49 AM

Thank you, Abbey, for the amazing brisket recipe! I followed your instructions, browning the meat and adding the ingredients. After pouring in some water, I cooked it in the oven for approximately 3 hours at 300 degrees. Right before serving, I turned off the heat and let it rest, resulting in incredibly tender meat. The flavorful drippings had a hint of sweetness that paired perfectly with the mashed potatoes I prepared. I will definitely be making this dish again!

audio version

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Apricot Brisket Recipe