When it comes to a brisket of beef, how healthy a meal it makes all depends on which end you choose.
A whole brisket weighs 10 to 15 pounds and has quite a bit of fat attached to it. But brisket generally is cut into two smaller sections before being sold.
The front cut — sometimes called the point end — is thicker, has more fat and includes the deckle point, which is a very fatty top piece of brisket.
On the other end of the brisket is the flat, or first cut, which is considerably leaner.
A 3-ounce cooked portion of a well-trimmed, first cut brisket has just 7 grams of fat, while an equal portion of the fattier point end has twice as much, even if all visible fat has been removed.
Even though the flat end of the brisket has little fat, it is quite flavorful. However, it can be extremely tough if not properly prepared.
Braising is one of the best ways to prepare a brisket flat because it uses moist heat, which is perfect for dissolving the connective tissue that can toughen a cut of meat.
The essentials of this method are to brown the meat first to get the process of caramelizing started, then to infuse the meat with additional flavor with an assertive braising liquid.
Most important, the cooking should happen at a relatively low temperature, say 300 or 325 degrees, over a long period of time.
Otherwise the fibers in the meat can shrink too quickly and make it tough.
And always slice a brisket across the grain for the most tender results.
This merlot-braised brisket is relatively easy to make and can feed a good-sized crowd. It is fork-tender but not falling apart. It also slices well.
The braising sauce is made with red wine, celery, onions and a bottle of chili sauce, which adds a whole range of flavors without the need for a lot of individual spices. After the meat cooks, the vegetables and remaining liquid are pureed into a delicious sauce.
This brisket does quite well when prepared ahead of time. After pureeing the braising liquid and vegetables, return the brisket to the sauce without slicing it, allow it to cool off, then refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to two months. If anything, the flavors will improve over time.
When you are ready to serve the brisket, heat it through in the sauce before slicing.
The dish makes a lovely entree for a Seder when prepared with wine that has been made kosher for Passover.
