Preparing a brisket pot roast is an inexpensive way to make a hearty meal. It can serve a crowd of people, depending on the size of the piece of meat, and it can be prepared in many ways. Some cooks sear the meat on a stove top before transferring the meat to an oven, and others leave the brisket on the burner for the entire cooking process. Spices and other ingredients can be added to the meat, and some cooks add vegetables to the pot for a complete main course in a pot.
When buying a brisket pot roast, a consumer should examine the cut of meat carefully. The best cuts have a layer of fat as well as some marbling within the meat itself. It would be a mistake to attempt to trim off the excess fat before starting to cook the meat. As the meat cooks, the fat and juices help to make this inexpensive cut of meat moist and tender.
The fatty layer on the brisket should be scored with a sharp knife before placing it in a Dutch oven or a heavy pot. Garlic or other spices can be rubbed on the surface of the meat as well. Turn the heat up on the burner to medium-high, and brown the surface of the meat for a few minutes.
After the pot roast has been browned, remove it from the stove top and pour off any excess fat. The next step in preparing the meat is to either return it to the pot on the stove or place it into an oven-proof roasting pan. This cut of meat must be cooked slowly so that it can tenderize.
If the brisket pot roast is being cooked on the stove top, the meat should be simmered for several hours. When the meat is being roasted in the oven, the same rule applies. It will take several hours on low heat to cook this meal.
Cooks can add vegetables to the brisket pot roast if they so desire. This type of dish works well with carrots, potatoes, celery and other vegetables. If the brisket pot roast is being prepared on the stove top and there is enough liquid, a cook can mix up a batch of dumplings to serve with the meat as well.
When serving a brisket, the meat should be sliced against the grain with a serrated-edge knife. Before making the initial cut, place the meat on a plate and let it sit for a few minutes before you start to slice it. A lovely serving option is to place the brisket slices on a platter and add the vegetables around it for a colorful and delicious meal.
