Braised Brisket with Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 1 (4- to 5-pound) brisket roast, fat trimmed to 1/4 inch
• Salt
• pepper
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 ounce dried porcini mushrooms, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound white mushrooms, trimmed and quartered
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar