Braised Hanukkah Brisket

Braised Hanukkah Brisket Tip

What is traditionally served with brisket?

If you're serving brisket as the main dish for Hanukkah (or any holiday meal), you can't go wrong with vegetable sides like tzimmes or potato latkes. For a more substantial side dish, try a savory noodle kugel or a piping hot bowl of chicken matzo ball soup. Looking for more great Hanukkah dishes? Here are some of our favorite Hanukkah recipes.

How do you keep brisket from drying out?

The key to making a tender brisket is using low and slow heat. Don't try to rush it by boiling the brisket; it'll turn out chewy and dry. If you have time, the best way to keep the brisket moist is to make it a day in advance. Cool it whole in the cooking liquid overnight and reheat it the next day. Check out our complete guide for making Jewish brisket for more tips and tricks.

How can I thicken my brisket sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, you don't need flour or cornstarch. Try using another method to thicken sauce, like simmering the strained cooking liquid until it's reduced by half. You can also add body by pureeing some of the cooked onions, carrots, celery and mushrooms and adding them back to the sauce.

Research contributed by Lindsay D. Mattison, Taste of Home contributing writer