Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 °F. Meanwhile, heat a 4 to 5-quart heavy pot over medium-low heat until hot, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil; pat the beef dry and season lightly on both sides with salt and pepper. Add the brisket to the pot and cook until browned on the underside, about 7 minutes. Turn and cook 7 minutes more.

2. Transfer the brisket to the plate. Add 1 tablespoon more oil to the pot, along with the onions and cook, stirring two or three times over medium heat, until onions are beginning to brown along the edges, about 8 minutes.

3. Return the brisket to the pot, nestling the meat and thyme bundle into the onions. Pour in the pomegranate juice (It should barely cover the meat), and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot with the lid and transfer to the oven. Braise the brisket for about 1½ hours, until barely fork tender.

4. Remove the brisket to a plate and let cool; let the onion gravy cool for 10 minutes, then puree in a blender until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

5. When the brisket is cool, slice it 1/2 inch thick and arrange overlapping in a shallow baking dish. Reserve 1 cup of gravy in a bowl, cover and refrigerate, and spoon the remaining sauce over the brisket in the dish. Cover with foil and refrigerate. (You can prepare the brisket to this point up to 2 days ahead.)

6. Preheat the oven to 350. Reheat the brisket, covered, until bubbly and heated through, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the couscous according to package directions.

7. Heat the remaining sauce in a microwave or small saucepan and pass along side. Serve with couscous and fresh pomegranate seeds.