ANJA Presents: How to Make Cannabis Infused Pastrami

Welcome to today’s infused culinary journey: the Cannabis-Infused Pastrami. This unique recipe marries the time-honored art of pastrami preparation with the innovative use of cannabis-infused olive oil, promising an elevated gastronomic adventure. Whether you're a seasoned chef, a cannabis enthusiast, or a culinary explorer at heart, this recipe is designed to intrigue and delight. We're about to redefine the boundaries of edible creativity with our savory, hearty, and utterly irresistible Cannabis-Infused Pastrami. 

Infused Cannabis Olive Oil Recipe:

Feel free to skip this if you already possess cannabis-infused oil. If you don’t have any infused oils on hand, use the recipe below to make your own.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of olive oil

• 7-10 grams of cannabis flower (decarboxylated)

• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer

• Heat-resistant container

• Airtight glass jar or bottle for storage

Instructions:

• Decarboxylation: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Decarboxylation is a crucial step to activate the cannabinoids in the cannabis flower, making them bioavailable and maximizing their potency. Break up your cannabis flower into smaller pieces. You can use your hands or a grinder for this. Spread the broken-up cannabis evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  
  

• Bake: Place the baking sheet with the cannabis in the preheated oven. Bake it for approximately 40-45 minutes. This process converts the inactive THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) in the cannabis into THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the oven and the moisture content of the cannabis.
  
  

• Grinding: Once the decarboxylated cannabis has cooled, you can use a grinder to break it up into smaller pieces. If you don't have a grinder, you can break it up manually by using your hands. Avoid grinding the cannabis too finely, as it may make it more difficult to strain later.
  
  

• Infusion: In a saucepan, combine the olive oil and the ground decarboxylated cannabis. Heat the mixture over low heat. It's important to keep the temperature low to prevent burning or scorching the oil. The ideal temperature range is between 160°F to 200°F (71°C to 93°C). You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature or adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the mixture simmer for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  
  

• Straining: After the infusion period, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Place a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a heat-resistant container or bowl. Slowly pour the mixture through the strainer to separate the cannabis plant material from the infused oil. Gently press on the plant material with a spoon or spatula to extract as much oil as possible. This step ensures that you capture all the infused oil while separating it from the cannabis plant material.
  
  
  

Note: Once strained, let the infused oil cool completely. Transfer the oil into an airtight glass jar or bottle for storage. It's important to store the oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to maintain its potency. Properly stored cannabis-infused olive oil can last for several weeks to a few months.

Infused Cannabis Pastrami Recipe:

Here’s where the fun part comes in. If you have your own pastrami recipe, feel free to substitute it with the one provided below. The key part here is that you brush the infused oil onto your brisket prior to putting on your rub of choice.

Also, the THC dosage is never perfect with homemade edibles and can vary due to many factors. That being said, there is a decent rule of thumb for estimating your infused dosage. To do this, calculate the estimated milligrams (mg) of THC or CBD per tablespoon of oil based on the potency of your cannabis flower and the infusion process. If your cannabis flower has a THC content of 15%, that means there are 150 milligrams (mg) of THC in every 1 gram (1000 milligrams) of cannabis flower.

When you infuse this 1 gram of cannabis into 1 cup of oil, you are dispersing these 150 mg of THC throughout the entire cup of oil. One cup of oil equals 16 tablespoons. Therefore, you would divide the total amount of THC (150 mg) by the number of tablespoons (16) to find the estimated THC content per tablespoon. So, in this example, each tablespoon of your infused oil would have approximately 9.375 mg of THC (150 mg / 16 tablespoons). 

The key to a good experience is controlling it! Enjoy, but know your limits and don’t overconsume. It may be smart to make additional non-infused pastrami, just in case you are hungry but don’t want to be too high.

Ingredients:

• 4 to 5 pounds beef brisket

• 3 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoons coriander seeds, crushed

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon cannabis-infused olive oil (with estimated THC/CBD content)

• 1 tablespoon liquid smoke

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  
  

• Rinse the beef brisket under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat, leaving a thin layer to add flavor and moisture.
  
  

• In a small bowl, combine the coarsely ground black pepper, crushed coriander seeds, kosher salt, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mixture will be your spice rub.
  
  

• Generously coat all sides of the brisket with the cannabis-infused olive oil, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
  
  

• Sprinkle the spice rub over the entire brisket, pressing it into the meat to form a thick and flavorful crust. If desired, you can also add mustard seeds and fennel seeds for additional depth of flavor.
  
  

• Place the seasoned brisket in a large resealable plastic bag or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the brisket for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  
  

• Remove the brisket from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
  
  

• Place the brisket on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan. This allows air to circulate around the meat and ensures even cooking. Drizzle the liquid smoke over the top of the brisket, providing a smoky flavor.
  
  

• Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil, sealing it completely to trap the moisture and infuse the flavors.
  
  

• Bake the brisket in the preheated oven for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach about 195°F (90°C) for optimal tenderness.
  
  

• Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest, covered, for about 15 to 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  
  

• Slice the pastrami thinly against the grain, resulting in tender and flavorful pieces.

What Strains Should I Use?

When it comes to pairing cannabis strains with red meat, you'll want to consider strains that have complementary flavors and aromas. Here are a few recommendations of cannabis strains that pair well with red meat:

OG Kush: OG Kush is a popular strain known for its earthy and woody flavors with hints of citrus. These flavors can complement the rich and savory flavors of red meat, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Blueberry: Blueberry is a strain with a distinct sweet and fruity aroma. It can provide a pleasant contrast to the savory flavors of red meat, creating an interesting flavor combination.

Northern Lights: Northern Lights is a classic indica strain with a sweet and spicy aroma. Its relaxing effects can help enhance the enjoyment of a hearty red meat dish.

Lemon Haze: Lemon Haze is a strain with a zesty and citrusy flavor profile. The bright and tangy notes of lemon can add a refreshing element to red meat dishes.

Cherry Pie: Cherry Pie is a strain with a sweet and tart cherry flavor, reminiscent of baked goods. It can add a touch of sweetness to red meat preparations, balancing out the savory flavors.

Recipe Inspiration:

Now that you've mastered the art of making cannabis-infused pastrami, let's explore some variations and additional ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.

• Steamed Pastrami: If you prefer a softer, more tender pastrami, you can steam it in the oven after baking. Simply place the cooked pastrami in a roasting pan with a bit of water, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and bake at a low temperature (around 275°F or 135°C) for an additional 2-3 hours. This method can help to further tenderize the meat and enhance its juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Alternatively, you can achieve a similar effect by using a pot with a tight-fitting lid and a metal colander or steaming basket. To do this, place the pastrami in the heat-resistant colander or basket, add a bit of water to the pot (making sure the water level is below the pastrami), cover, and heat over medium-low heat. The steam generated by the heated water will gently cook the pastrami, making it tender and juicy.

• Pastrami Hash Recipe: Leftover cannabis-infused pastrami can be transformed into a delicious and hearty breakfast dish. Dice the pastrami and sauté it with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Add a touch of your cannabis-infused olive oil for an extra kick. Top it off with a fried or poached egg for a satisfying start to your day.

• Steamed Pastrami Sandwich: For a classic deli-style sandwich, steam slices of your cannabis-infused pastrami to make them extra tender. Layer the steamed pastrami on rye bread with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. The warmth from the steamed pastrami will melt the cheese, creating a gooey and delicious sandwich.