Spice Blend for Pastrami Preparation
Pastrami:A Tasty Journey
Hey there! Let's talk about pastrami, a delish Romanian specialty that found its way to the United States thanks to immigrants in the late 1800s. Originally inspired by Turkish basturma, the dish boasts a unique blend of spices and is a key ingredient in sandwiches today.
If you're homesick for a Reuben or just want to whip up some pastrami at home, check out this easy recipe!
- Yield: Approx. 2 cups
- Difficulty: Simple as pie!
Ingredients (10)- ½ cup kosher salt- ½ cup molasses (not blackstrap)- ½ cup chopped garlic- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh ginger- ¼ cup sugar- 2 tbsp crushed coriander- 2 tbsp crushed fennel seeds- 1 tbsp each coarsely ground black and white pepper- 2 tsp allspice- ½ tsp ground cloves
Instructions1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until you've got a wet, chunky paste. This will be used to cure and smoke beef brisket for pastrami.2. Store the pastrami seasoning refrigerated in an airtight container and use within two weeks.
Now, where did this delicious seasoning come from? Well, it has roots in Eastern European and Middle Eastern cuisines, with connections to Romanian and Jewish cooking. Centuries of cultural exchange led to the evolution of pastrami as we know it today – a tasty blend of spices and preservation techniques.
Ingredients like black pepper, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, garlic, and herbs like fennel or allspice make up a traditional pastrami seasoning mix. Sugar is also added to balance the flavors.
The development of pastrami seasoning is a fusion of cultural traditions, meat preservation techniques, and flavorful spices. The traditional preparation process involves curing the meat, drying and smoking it, and then steaming it before serving.
So, there you have it! Easy, delicious pastrami seasoning at your fingertips. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of history! And remember, food is like life – it's all about the journey, not the destination.
Sources:[1] The Spruce Eats. (n.d.). The History of Pastrami. Retrieved August 08, 2023, from https://www.thespruceeats.com/history-of-pastrami-1213740[2] Serious Eats. (2016, May 26). The Definitive Guide to Making Homemade Pastrami. Retrieved August 08, 2023, from https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2016/05/homemade-pastrami-recipe.html
- This traditional pastrami seasoning is a fusion of Eastern European and Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
- The seasoning mix often includes ingredients like black pepper, coriander seeds, fennel, allspice, garlic, and sugar.
- If you're keen on making pastrami at home, try this easy recipe that includes molasses, chopped garlic, and crushed fennel seeds.
- The pastrami recipe, with its unique blend of spices, is a testament to the rich cultural exchange that has shaped this delicious dish over centuries.
