Brisket

Recipe by: Sharon Lebewohl | from 2nd Avenue Deli Cookbook

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: A Day Or More

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Moderate

Photo by: Joseph De Leo

This cut of beef, taken from the front breast section, is a traditional holiday meat. It requires long, slow cooking to become a richly flavored, tender dish. The Deli’s brisket needs to be marinated in spices for at least a day in advance of cooking, so plan ahead. Spice it in the morning and let it marinate overnight before cooking.

Yield: Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons onion powder
3 tablespoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon salt
¾ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 4-pound brisket
4 tablespoons corn oil
½ cup water
3 cups chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped or crushed fresh garlic

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and celery salt; mix thoroughly. Dredge the brisket in this spice mixture, making sure every part of it is well covered. Place in a deep dish covered with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for 1 or 2 days.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of the corn oil in a large skillet, and brown the meat on both sides.

3. Transfer brisket to a Dutch oven, add ½ cup water, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.

4. While meat is simmering, heat remaining 2 tablespoons corn oil in a large skillet, and sauté onions, stirring occasionally. When the onions are nicely browned, add garlic, which browns quickly.

5. Add onions and garlic to brisket pot. Cover, and continue simmering for 2 ½ hours, or until meat is fully cooked. To test for doneness, stick a fork in the leaner end of the brisket; when there is a slight pull on the fork as it is removed from the meat, it is done. Cook longer if necessary.

6. Remove brisket to a plate, and trim all visible fat. Then place the brisket (with what was the fat side down) on a cutting board, and carve thin slices across the grain (the muscle lines of the brisket) with a sharp, thin-bladed knife. Serve hot with gravy from the pot or cold in sandwiches.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 626kcal (31%)

Calcium 64mg (6%)

Vitamin C 10mg (17%)

Vitamin A 91mcg RAE (3%)

Potassium 1302mg

Magnesium 93mg

Protein 65g

Sugar 4g

Fiber 4g

Total Carbohydrate 17g