Pastrami Leftover Recipes

PASTRAMI HASH WITH CONFIT POTATOES, PARSLEY AND SHALLOTS

Steps:

• Put the potatoes in a pot large enough to hold them in a single layer. Pour in canola oil to cover. Turn the heat to medium, bring to a simmer, turn heat to low and simmer until potatoes are just cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes. Lift out with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool, at least 30 minutes or overnight. (Oil can be reused.)
• Peel potatoes and cut into large dice. In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add potatoes and distribute evenly in pan, pressing down lightly. Cook, undisturbed, 4 to 5 minutes, until browned. With a large spatula, gently turn potatoes over (don't worry if they break up) and redistribute in pan. Cook 4 minutes, until well crisped. (Do this in two batches if pan is not large enough.)
• Stir in butter, shallots, garlic, parsley and pastrami or other meat, and cook over medium-low heat, turning occasionally, just until pastrami is heated through and shallots are just soft, about 3 minutes.
• Serve with eggs on top and hot sauce on the side.

PASTRAMI ROLL-UPS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and blue cheese until blended. If necessary, pat pastrami and pickles dry with paper towels., Spread about 1 tablespoon cheese mixture over each pastrami slice; top with a pickle spear. Roll up tightly. Cut each roll into 4 slices. Refrigerate leftovers.

PRIMETIME PASTRAMI

Steps:

• For the brine: In a large stockpot, add half of the water, the brown sugar, kosher salt, curing salt, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, juniper berries, chile flakes, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon and star anise and bring to a boil. Then simmer for 30 minutes. Add the remaining water with some ice to chill the brine.
• For the rub: Grind the peppercorns, coriander and juniper until crushed but still a little chunky. Add to a mixing bowl. Add the salt, brown sugar, chile flakes and granulated garlic and stir to combine.
• For the pastrami: First, clean all the fat off the brisket including the "V" between the two muscles, then follow the fat between the two muscles and separate them making a flat and a cap.
• Transfer the brine to a large hotel pan or roasting pan. Add the brisket and refrigerate at least 5 days and no more than 10 days. Make sure the brisket is stirred once a day to get an evenly brined brisket.
• After a minimum of 5 days, prepare a smoker for 225 degrees F.
• Remove the pastrami, rinse it and blot dry with paper towels. Thoroughly rub the brined brisket with the pastrami rub. Place in smoker and cook for 8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 210 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.

PASTRAMI-REUBEN CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Set oven to 400°F.
• Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
• Lightly butter both sides of the bread slices.
• Slice in to about 1-1/2-inch cubes then place on a baking sheet.
• Bake until semi-crisp, but NOT hard and brown.
• Spread the bread cubes in the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the sauerkraut over the bread cubes.
• Layer the beef strips evenly over the sauerkraut.
• Pour the salad dressing completely over the top (you may use more than 2 cups if needed).
• Cover with foil and bake 400°F (bottom oven rack) for 20-25 minutes.
• Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded cheese and continue to bake UNCOVERED for another 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.