Skip to main content

Braised Recipes to Savor

Braising is a cooking technique that involves cooking food in liquid over low heat, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes. This method is ideal for tougher cuts of meat, as well as vegetables and other ingredients that require long-cooking times to become tender. The slow-cooked liquids used in braising can be based on stocks, sauces, or even wine, which adds depth and richness to the final product. Whether you're looking for comfort food recipes or wanting to experiment with new flavors, braised dishes are perfect for any occasion.

Hearty Braises for a Cozy Night In​

Chicken Cacciatore Braised in Tomato Sauce​

This classic Italian recipe is an excellent example of a hearty braise that's sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of chicken, onions, bell peppers, and tomato sauce creates a rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy night in.

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 medium onions, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 cups homemade or store-bought tomato sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. In a large Dutch oven, brown the chicken on all sides over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Add more oil if necessary, then sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
  3. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes or until tender.
  4. Return the chicken to the pot, pour in the tomato sauce, cover with a lid, and transfer the Dutch oven to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
  5. Braise the cacciatore for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Braised Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Reduction​

These fall-off-the-bone tender short ribs are a testament to the power of slow cooking. A rich red wine reduction adds depth and complexity to this dish, making it perfect for special occasions.

  • 4 beef short ribs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Brown the short ribs in a large Dutch oven over high heat on all sides.
  2. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside. Add more oil if necessary, then sauté the sliced onion until caramelized.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Return the short ribs to the pot, pour in the red wine and beef broth, cover with a lid, and transfer the Dutch oven to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
  5. Braise the short ribs for 2 hours and 30 minutes or until tender.

Vegetable Braise with Mushroom and Leek Gravy​

This vegetarian recipe is perfect for those looking to experiment with new flavors. A combination of mushrooms, leeks, and vegetables creates a hearty gravy that's sure to impress.

  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms (such as button or cremini), sliced
  • 1 large leek, sliced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. In a large Dutch oven, sauté the sliced onion until softened.
  2. Add more oil if necessary, then add the garlic, mushrooms, leeks, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 10 minutes or until tender.
  3. Pour in enough vegetable broth to cover all the ingredients, bring to a boil, then transfer the Dutch oven to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
  4. Braise the vegetables for 45 minutes or until they're cooked through.

Braised Chicken Thighs with Apricots and Spices​

This sweet and savory recipe is perfect for springtime gatherings. The combination of chicken, apricots, and spices creates a flavorful dish that's sure to impress.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. Brown the chicken on all sides over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven.
  2. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Add more oil if necessary, then sauté the sliced onion until softened.
  3. Add the minced garlic, chopped apricots, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes or until fragrant.
  4. Return the chicken to the pot, pour in enough chicken broth to cover all ingredients, cover with a lid, and transfer the Dutch oven to a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C).
  5. Braise the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until cooked through.

These recipes showcase the versatility of braising as a cooking technique and demonstrate how it can be used to create dishes ranging from comforting to sophisticated. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty or prefer lighter flavors, there's a braised recipe out there for everyone.