Corned Beef Dinner

Traditional Irish Corned Beef Dinner Recipe with Cabbage & Vegetables

Region / culture: Ireland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours and 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

History

Corned beef dinner has its roots in Irish and Jewish cuisine, where corned beef was a popular ingredient due to its long shelf life and ability to be preserved. The process of "corning" beef involves curing it in a brine solution with salt and spices, giving it a unique flavor and texture.

Ingredients

4 lb (1.81 kg) corned beef round
water
6 onions
6 carrots
6 parsnips
3 potatoes, 4 oz (113 g) each
6 cups cabbage

How to prepare

Cover the meat with cold water in a Dutch oven and bring it to a boil. Then, drain the water.
Add enough water to cover the meat and bring it to a boil again. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Cook the meat until it is nearly tender, which should take about 3 hours. Make sure to skim off as much fat as possible from the cooking water. If you want to remove the meat from the broth and refrigerate it, or put it in the freezer to save time, the fat will harden and can be easily removed in 10-15 minutes.
Add the vegetables to the pot and cook them until they are tender. Then, drain the water and trim any excess fat from the meat.
Remove the vegetables from the pot, drain them, and trim any remaining fat from the meat.

Variations

You can add additional vegetables such as turnips, rutabagas, or green beans to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.
For a twist on the classic recipe, you can braise the corned beef in beer or apple cider for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to skim off any excess fat from the cooking water to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

- Cooking the meat until it is nearly tender before adding the vegetables ensures that they cook evenly and don't become mushy.

- For added flavor, you can add spices such as bay leaves, peppercorns, and cloves to the cooking water.

Serving Suggestions

Corned beef dinner is traditionally served with a side of mustard or horseradish for added flavor. It pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes or soda bread.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses the braising technique to cook the corned beef and vegetables slowly in liquid until they are tender and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have corned beef round, you can use brisket or another cut of beef that has been corned. You can also use chicken or turkey as a substitute for beef.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the corned beef dinner ahead of time and reheat it before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the corned beef dinner in a large serving dish with the vegetables arranged around the meat for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Corned beef dinner pairs well with a glass of stout beer or a hearty red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of apple cider or ginger beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the corned beef and vegetables in a pot with a little water and heat over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of corned beef dinner contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of corned beef dinner contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of corned beef dinner contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of corned beef dinner contains approximately 40 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Corned beef dinner is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and may not be suitable for those with beef allergies.

Summary

Corned beef dinner is a hearty and satisfying meal that is rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is also high in fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Corned beef dinner is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. This recipe features tender corned beef round cooked with a variety of vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal that is rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this traditional dish with your family and friends for a comforting and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a cold winter's day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins with her grocery shopping. As a token of her gratitude, she handed me a worn, yellowed recipe card with the words "Corned Beef Dinner" scrawled across the top in faded ink.

I had never made corned beef before, but Mrs. Jenkins assured me that it was a hearty and delicious meal that her own grandmother had passed down to her. She told me stories of Sunday dinners spent around the table, laughing and sharing stories over plates piled high with tender meat, savory vegetables, and golden brown potatoes. I knew that I had to try it for myself.

I carefully tucked the recipe card into my apron pocket and hurried home to prepare for dinner. As I gathered the ingredients and read through the instructions, memories flooded back to me of my own grandmother teaching me how to cook. She was the one who instilled in me a love of good food and the joy of sharing it with others.

I followed the recipe to the letter, simmering the corned beef in a pot of fragrant spices and herbs until it was tender and falling apart. The smell that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, a heady mix of garlic, onions, and peppercorns. I added in the carrots, celery, and potatoes, letting them soak up all the flavors of the broth.

As I dished up the meal onto plates and set them on the table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. The corned beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender, the vegetables perfectly cooked, and the potatoes crispy on the edges. I knew that this recipe was a keeper, one that would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this corned beef dinner countless times, tweaking and adjusting the recipe to suit my own tastes. I've added in extra spices, swapped out different vegetables, and even tried braising the meat in beer for a unique twist. But no matter how I prepare it, the dish always brings back memories of that first time I made it, and the joy it brought to those I shared it with.

Now, as I sit with my own grandchildren around the table, passing down this recipe to them, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for all the knowledge and love that has been shared with me over the years. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions – it's about creating something that nourishes both the body and the soul, and that brings people together in a way that is truly special.

So here's to Mrs. Jenkins and her treasured recipe for corned beef dinner. May it continue to be passed down through the generations, bringing joy and comfort to all who taste its delicious flavors. And may it always remind us of the power of good food, shared with loved ones, to create lasting memories and connections that will never be forgotten.