Russian Braised Brisket

Trim fat from brisket. Cut brisket to fit in a 3-1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle brisket with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, brown brisket in hot oil over medium-high heat.

In the slow cooker, place onion, parsnips and carrots. Sprinkle with dill seeds, caraway seeds and salt. Top with brisket. Pour beef broth and vodka, if using, over all.

Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 hours.

If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. In a medium bowl, stir together sour cream, flour, the water, dill weed and mustard until smooth. Stir about 1 cup of the hot cooking liquid into the sour cream mixture. Return all to cooker; stir to combine. Stir in cabbage and mushrooms. Cover and cook for 30 to 60 minutes more or until vegetables are tender and liquid is thickened and bubbly.

Transfer brisket to a cutting board and slice thinly across the grain. Serve with sauce and vegetables.