Step 1
To make the brine, place all of the ingredients in a large saucepan, pour in 2.5 litres of water and gradually bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Once it has come to the boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to cool completely
Step 2
Pierce the brisket all over with a skewer. Place it in a large, clean plastic box or bucket and cover the meat with the brine; it must be totally submerged. Leave the meat to brine in the fridge for 7 days
Step 3
Combine all of the ancho chilli rub ingredients in a bowl. Take the beef out of the brine, rinse well and generously rub the ancho chilli rub into the brisket. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes
Step 4
Place the beef in a table-top smoker and smoke for 1 hour before removing and wrapping in foil
Step 5
Preheat the oven to 100°C/gas mark 1/4
Step 6
Place the meat parcel on a tray and cook in the oven for 7–8 hours. Once the meat is soft, remove from the oven and discard the tin foil. Wrap the beef in cling film and allow to cool in the fridge
Step 7
To make the mayonnaise, place the egg yolk, mustard and vinegar in a food processor. Gradually add the smoked oil until it thickens to resemble a mayonnaise. Season to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice and place in a squeezy bottle
Step 8
To prepare the onions, add the vinegar, sugar, thyme, bay leaf and garlic to a pan and bring to the boil. Add the onions, immediately remove from the heat and allow the liquid and onions to cool and pickle
Step 9
Once cool, remove the onions from the liquid, cut in half and scorch the cut-side of the onions in a hot pan. Separate into layers and set aside
Step 10
Thinly slice the smoked brisket and arrange on plates. Add some smoked mayonnaise, sprinkle with mini capers, cornichons and the pickled onions and drizzle over a little olive oil. Serve with some crusty bread.
Recipe courtesy of www.greatbritishchefs.com