Armenian Basterma (dried Cured Beef)

Total Time: 792 hrs Preparation Time: 72 hrs Cook Time: 720 hrs

Ingredients

• 1 slice beef (about 2 lbs.)
• 1/4 cup bagged granulated salt
• 3 tablespoons chaimen
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon kimion (cumin)
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 3 -4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 cup water

Recipe

• 1 select very tender cut of beef from rib part, about one and a half inch thick, any length you desire (approx. 8").
• 2 insert heavy string through one end and make a loop.
• 3 rub meat with salt and let stand in refrigerator for 3 days placing a heavy item on top and turn once a day.
• 4 wash meat well with cold water and leave in clear water for one hour.
• 5 then drain and press between towels to remove moisture.
• 6 continue until meat is quite dry.
• 7 hang in cool airy place to dry about two weeks.
• 8 combine all above ingredients to make the chairnen.
• 9 add water a little at a time to make thick paste.
• 10 soak meat in it for 2 weeks.
• 11 hang in airy place for 2 more weeks.
• 12 may be used immediately, refrigerated, or frozen.
• 13 note: a cheese cloth casing may be used to slip meat into before hanging.