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Cholent with Chestnuts

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5 from 1 review

Fat is flavor, and this decadent take on cholent with brisket, chicken and chestnuts is full of flavor.

  • Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8

Ingredients

Units
  • 1 lb 2 oz (500 g) dried Tarbais beans or other large white beans
  • 4 lb (2 kg) first-cut beef brisket, trimmed and cut in 5 cm (2-inch) cubes
  • 4 chicken legs, thighs and drumsticks separated
  • 3 Tbsp coarse sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp chicken or duck fat
  • 2 large onions, peeled and chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
  • 2 ozcup (60 g) curly parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 ozcup (60 g) fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 Tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
  • ¼ tsp allspice
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 6 lb ½ oz/¾ cup (185 g) pearl barley
  • 2 marrow bones (about 5 cm/2 in thick)
  • 6 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • 4 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • chestnuts, cooked and peeled (optional; if in season)
  • 8 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Rinse the beans thoroughly and soak for at least 2 hours in cold water, then drain.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the beans in boiling water for 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 90°C (200°F).
  4. Season both meats with 1 Tbsp of salt and a good grind of pepper.
  5. In a large ovenproof pot with a tight lid, melt the chicken or duck fat. Sear the brisket cubes on all sides, then remove and reserve. Sear the chicken on all sides. Remove and reserve.
  6. Using the same pot, sauté the onions and the garlic over a low heat. 
  7. Stir in the parsley, thyme, paprika, 1½ Tbsp salt, allspice and honey. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Add the beans and the pearl barley. Stir until well coated.
  9. Add the meats and the marrow bones on top.
  10. Add the potatoes, carrots and squash, and chestnuts if using, as a layer over the meats and marrow bones.
  11. Wedge the eggs in their shells between the potatoes and squash. 
  12. Add enough water to cover. Add ½ Tbsp of coarse sea salt, then bring to a boil.
  13. Cover and bake in the oven for 10 hours.
  14. Remove and serve from the pot.
  • Author: Sylvie Bigar
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow-Cooked
  • Cuisine: Ashkenazi