After wringing out every last bit of summer sweetness, we are welcoming autumn with open, cozily clothed arms. A final riot of color and abundance before the stillness of winter, fall gives us a great reason to get back in the kitchen and create warmth for those around us. Let’s face it, no season makes the kitchen smell better- an apple pie cooling in the window, soups blowing their fragrant steam, and, perhaps best of all, a rich, stewy braise making its magic in the oven. We’ve rounded up the best of the best of this ingenious cooking technique to keep you cozy all season long.
1.) Sichuan Peppercorn Red Braised Oxtail
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Don’t be scared if you don’t know what oxtail is, or how to use it. This cheap cut from–you guessed it—the tail of the cow is woefully under-utilized in Western cooking. Try it once in this complex-tasting, simple to prepare braise from Lady&Pups, and we guarantee it won’t be the last time you seek out this unctuous, jammy-rich cut. Get the recipe here.
2.) Cider-Braised Pork Shoulder with Caramelized Onions
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A love letter to fall, this beautiful roast from Bon Appetit combines some of our other autumnal favorites- sweet cider and luscious caramelized onions. Eating this is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug.
3.) Braised Escarole with Beans
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Braising is a fresh new approach for your favorite hearty greens. Pair this luscious braised escarole from Orangette with hearty, creamy white beans, and we promise you won’t miss the meat at all.
4.) Sticky Braised Pork
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Everybody loves a fatty roast pork shoulder, and the unique flavor approach from NotWithoutSalt will have your guests happily wondering, “What else is in here?”
5.) Classic Coq au Vin
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Don’t mess with a classic– coq au vin is always impressive, always welcomed on the table, and tastes better the longer it sits. Learn the basics with this easy-to-follow recipe from Bon Appetit, and you’ll never be lacking an invite to your friend’s shindig.
6.) White Wine Braised Short Ribs
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An unexpected twist on the traditional red-wine braised short rib, this version from SpoonForkBacon with white wine has a brightness that will warm up the darkest of winter days.
7.) Cream Braised Chicken with Swiss Chard and Potatoes
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As with most things in life, a little cream makes everything even better in this understated dish from A Cozy Kitchen. Clean flavors with a creamy backdrop is the stuff of deep winter comfort.
8.) Braised Lamb Shoulder with Fennel and Orange
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This Mediterranean inspired braise is elegant enough for company, but easy enough to prep on a weeknight—what else could you ask for? Another winner from Bon Appetit.
9.) Braised Chicken All’Arrabbiata
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A classic Italian dish, this braise incorporates enough nuanced heat to keep things toasty in the kitchen. We like this classic approach from Food & Wine.
10.) Whole Braised Holiday Cauliflower
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Vegetarians, vegans, we would never forget you. You deserve a show-stopping entrée too, and this one from Golubka Kitchen is so beautiful you might want to keep it around for a holiday center piece. Meaty, tender roasted cauliflower stands out against a complex tomato-based sauce—and looks beautiful, to boot.
