Fennel-Garlic Braised Brisket with Roasted Peppers & Potatoes

Position racks in middle and bottom of oven; preheat to 325 degrees F.

To prepare brisket: Pat dry and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

In a wide, heavy ovenproof pot (with a lid) that's large enough to accommodate the brisket, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the brisket and cook until browned on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer to a large plate.

To prepare sauce: Add 2 tablespoons oil to the pot and reduce heat to medium. Add diced bell pepper, fennel, onion and garlic and cook until just tender, stirring and scraping up bits from the bottom as the vegetables release their liquid, about 3 minutes. Stir in oregano and fennel seeds and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add tomato paste, stirring until incorporated, about 1 minute. Stir in broth 1/4 cup at a time, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, until you've added all the broth and a smooth sauce forms. Return the brisket and any accumulated juice to the pot and nestle it into the sauce, spooning the sauce over the meat.

Cover the pot and place on the middle oven rack. Roast for 2 hours. Carefully uncover, turn the brisket over and spoon more of the sauce over the top. Continue to roast the brisket, uncovered, basting with sauce once or twice, until very tender, 1 to 1 1/2 hours more.

To prepare vegetables: When the brisket has about 1 1/2 hours of roasting time left, toss bell pepper strips and potatoes in a large bowl with 3 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Spread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast on the lower rack, stirring once or twice halfway through, until the potatoes are golden and very tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

Transfer the brisket to a cutting board. Pour the sauce into a glass measuring cup; let both stand for about 10 minutes. Thinly slice the brisket and arrange on a serving platter with the vegetables. Skim any fat from the sauce, then pour about half the sauce over the meat; serve the rest alongside in a gravy boat.