I've never tried a brisket before...I'd always heard how briskets can be very tough. But, I found a great recipe for Red-Wine-Braised Beef Brisket and I gave it a try. First, though, hubby posed a question - "What's the difference between a brisket and corned beef?" Hmm, good question! So I did my research. It turns out that they both are a brisket cut, but corned beef has been salted and cured in a brine (preserved). Now, let's take that a step further and look at pastrami! Pastrami is also a brisket cut, but pastrami is usually cured with a dry rub and smoked after curing! Doesn't that sound tasty - especially with St. Patrick's Day just around the corner?
Now, the recipe was kind of involved, it called for juniper berries and white peppercorns, which of course, called for a trip to Whole Foods (the home of those wonderful sunchokes)! The brisket was marinated overnight (or up to 2 days) in red wine vinegar and red wine, juniper berries (I actually thought these were poisonous), white peppercorns, carrots, celery, garlic and an onion. After marinating, we browned the brisket in a cast-iron casserole (isn't it a beautiful red color), put in diced onions, chicken broth, thyme and a bay leaf and raisins.
We slowly cooked it in the oven for 3 hours at 275. What came out was the most tender, flavorful meat I have ever tasted! Delicious! I give credit to Food & Wine Magazine for this fabulous recipe! Yum!!
We served it with a side of roasted shiitake and button mushrooms and sunchokes.
So, what have you been cooking lately?
Ahhh....I think the brisket was just an excuse to get more sunchokes. Now since you have educated me on brisket vs. corned beef vs. pastrami, I can tell you (well you might already know this) that gin is made from juniper berries. So take those extra juniper berries and see what happens!
ReplyDeleteYour brisket looks delicious! When can we be invited over for dinner?
Oh, we have made homemade chili and homemade clam chowder this past weekend. Yum!
Red wine? Yes. Beef? Double yes? Super awesome crock pot and matching dish? YES! So cool. This is the kind of meal I would love to be able to prepare. I put effort into my valentines meal because I was trying to impress somebody. But when I'm on my own, hell if a sock falls in my stew, I'm really oK with that. But this dish.... mmm mmm mmmm!
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of brisket! Sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know after reading your post I ran down to Whole Foods and bought some sunchokes...thanks for the dinner inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know how you prepared them! I've roasted and sauteed them. I have to say the roasted sunchokes are by far my favorite!
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