Greek-Style Brisket with Pumpkin and Lentils

This Greek-inspired dish combines the rich flavors of brisket with the sweetness of pumpkin and the earthiness of lentils. Cooking the brisket sous vide ensures it's tender and juicy. A perfect meal for a cozy dinner with friends or family.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs brisket
• 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
• 1 cup lentils, rinsed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Brisket:

   • Season the brisket generously with salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika.
   • Place the brisket in a sous vide bag with half of the minced garlic and the lemon zest. Seal the bag using a vacuum sealer.

2. Sous Vide Cooking:

   • Preheat your sous vide water bath to 135°F (57°C).
   • Submerge the sealed brisket in the water bath and cook for 48 hours. This long, slow cook will make the brisket incredibly tender.

3. Prepare the Lentils and Pumpkin:

   • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and remaining minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the diced pumpkin and lentils to the pot. Stir to combine.
   • Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the lentils and pumpkin are tender, about 25-30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Finish the Brisket:

   • Once the brisket is done cooking sous vide, remove it from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels.
   • Heat a skillet over high heat and sear the brisket on all sides until a crust forms, about 1-2 minutes per side.

5. Assemble the Dish:

   • Slice the brisket against the grain into thin slices.
   • Serve the brisket slices over a bed of the pumpkin and lentil mixture.
   • Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Conclusion

This Greek-style brisket with pumpkin and lentils is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. The sous vide method ensures the brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the pumpkin and lentils provide a comforting and nutritious base. Enjoy this dish with a side of crusty bread and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.