Sweet-And-Tangy Barbecue Brisket Sliders

4-pound brisket, trimmed of fat, cut into 3 or 4 pieces

Kosher salt and ground black pepper

2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

2 cups water

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

½ cup ketchup

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup apricot preserves

¼ cup cider vinegar

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Slider buns

Season the brisket on all sides with salt and pepper.

In a large pressure cooker over medium-high, heat the oil. When the oil is hot, add the brisket and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until well browned.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the water, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, apricot preserves, vinegar, cumin, mustard powder, paprika and garlic powder. Once the brisket has been seared, add the tomato sauce mixture to the pressure cooker. Move the brisket pieces around to ensure the liquid is both under and over it.

Attach the cover of the pressure cooker and seal according to manufacturer directions. Bring up to pressure, then adjust the burner temperature to maintain medium-high pressure. Cook for 1½ hours.

Remove the pressure cooker from the heat and place in the sink under cool running water. Once the pressure cooker has cooled enough to open, remove the lid. Test the meat; it should be fork tender. Carefully transfer the meat to a platter and use 2 forks to pull it apart into bite-size chunks.

Meanwhile, return the cooker to the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the liquid has reduced and thickened. Return the shredded brisket to the cooker and toss well. Serve with slider buns.

Serves 10.

Nutrition values per serving: 470 calories, 12 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 46 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 24 g sugar, 44 g protein, 90 mg cholesterol, 790 mg sodium.

J.M. Hirsch, The Associated Press