Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that showcases the rich flavors of tender beef brisket cooked slowly in a flavorful broth. Using a slow cooker makes this recipe simple and fuss-free, while the long cooking process ensures the brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender. This dish is perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests, offering a hearty and satisfying dining experience.
What is Delia Smith’s Slow Cooker Brisket?
Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket is a dish that combines a well-seasoned beef brisket with onions, garlic, herbs, and broth. The slow cooker gently braises the brisket over several hours, turning it into a tender and flavorful dish that’s rich in taste and perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or crusty bread.
Other Popular Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
- James Martin Slow-cooked Brisket
- Nigella Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making it a simple meal to prepare.
- Tender and juicy: Slow cooking makes the brisket incredibly tender, with flavors that develop over time.
- Great for gatherings: Ideal for feeding a crowd or for family meals.
- Minimal hands-on time: Just prep the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the rest.
- Versatile: Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef brisket – the main ingredient, trimmed of excess fat.
- 2 onions – sliced for sweetness and flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves – minced for a savory base.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for searing the brisket.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – for a rich, concentrated flavor.
- 500ml (17 fl oz) beef stock – to create a flavorful sauce.
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) red wine – optional, for added richness.
- 2 sprigs of thyme – add an earthy, aromatic note.
- 2 bay leaves – for extra depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
Equipment
- Slow cooker – for cooking the brisket low and slow.
- Large frying pan – to sear the brisket.
- Knife and chopping board – for preparing the brisket and vegetables.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring.
Instructions to Make Delia Smith S2low Cooker Brisket
Step 1: Sear the brisket
- Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides for about 4-5 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the onions and garlic
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Transfer to the slow cooker
- Place the seared brisket in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed onions, garlic, and tomato paste mixture over the brisket. Add the beef stock, red wine (if using), thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
Step 4: Slow cook the brisket
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the brisket for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Once the brisket is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the rich sauce and your favorite sides.
What Goes Well With Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts add a hearty, earthy complement to the brisket.
- Rice: Serve with steamed rice for a lighter side option.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce.
- Green beans: A fresh and simple vegetable side to balance the rich flavors.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket
- Sear the meat first: Browning the brisket adds depth of flavor and helps lock in moisture during the long cooking process.
- Don’t rush the cooking time: Slow cooking the brisket for 8-10 hours on low ensures that it becomes tender and juicy.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
- Rest the brisket before slicing: Letting the meat rest for 10 minutes after cooking ensures the juices are evenly distributed, making the brisket even more tender.
- Check the liquid level: If the liquid in the slow cooker reduces too much, add more beef stock to keep the brisket moist.
Easy Variations of Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket
- Spicy brisket: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
- Herb variation: Use rosemary instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Tomato-based sauce: Add a can of chopped tomatoes for a richer, tomato-forward sauce.
- Red wine-free: Omit the red wine and use extra beef stock or balsamic vinegar for a different depth of flavor.
- Add vegetables: Include root vegetables like carrots and potatoes to create a one-pot meal.
Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket
- Refrigerate: Store leftover brisket in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the brisket for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Portion control: Slice the brisket into portions before freezing for easy reheating and serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket
- Slow cooker: Reheat the brisket in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours until warmed through.
- Oven: Reheat the brisket in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
How Can I Make Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket Healthier?
- Trim excess fat: Remove excess fat from the brisket before cooking to reduce the fat content.
- Use less oil: Cut down on the olive oil used for searing or use a low-calorie cooking spray.
- Serve with lighter sides: Pair the brisket with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the meat.
- Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium beef stock to cut back on salt without losing flavor.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Do I need to sear brisket before slow cooking?
Searing the brisket before slow cooking adds a depth of flavor by caramelizing the surface. While it’s not absolutely necessary, it enhances the overall taste and creates a richer sauce. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the dish will benefit from the added flavor if you sear it first.
Can I cook brisket on high in a slow cooker?
While you can cook brisket on high in a slow cooker, it’s recommended to cook it on low for 8-10 hours to ensure the meat becomes tender and juicy. Cooking on high for 4-5 hours may not break down the connective tissues as effectively, resulting in tougher meat.
How do you prevent brisket from drying out in a slow cooker?
To prevent brisket from drying out, make sure it is partially submerged in liquid, such as beef stock or red wine. Cooking the brisket on low heat and keeping the slow cooker covered will also help retain moisture. Letting the brisket rest after cooking ensures it stays juicy.
How do you thicken the sauce for slow cooker brisket?
To thicken the sauce, you can remove the brisket after cooking and simmer the remaining liquid on the stovetop until it reduces to your desired consistency. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce, allowing it to thicken in the slow cooker for the last 20 minutes.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Slow Cooker Brisket is a perfect example of how slow cooking can transform a simple cut of meat into a tender, flavorful dish. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this brisket is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals.
Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s sure to impress!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Fricassee
- Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Jamie Oliver Slow Roast Leg of Lamb
Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 480
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Delia Smith Slow Cooker Brisket is a dish that combines a well-seasoned beef brisket with onions, garlic, herbs, and broth. The slow cooker gently braises the brisket over several hours, turning it into a tender and flavorful dish that’s rich in taste and perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) beef brisket – the main ingredient, trimmed of excess fat.
- 2 onions – sliced for sweetness and flavor.
- 4 garlic cloves – minced for a savory base.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for searing the brisket.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – for a rich, concentrated flavor.
- 500ml (17 fl oz) beef stock – to create a flavorful sauce.
- 250ml (8.5 fl oz) red wine – optional, for added richness.
- 2 sprigs of thyme – add an earthy, aromatic note.
- 2 bay leaves – for extra depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the brisket
- Season the brisket generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the brisket on all sides for about 4-5 minutes per side, until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the onions and garlic
- In the same pan, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Transfer to the slow cooker
- Place the seared brisket in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed onions, garlic, and tomato paste mixture over the brisket. Add the beef stock, red wine (if using), thyme sprigs, and bay leaves.
Step 4: Slow cook the brisket
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook the brisket for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulled apart with a fork.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
- Once the brisket is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the brisket against the grain and serve with the rich sauce and your favorite sides.
