Savory Corned Beef and Cabbage Delight 🍖🥬

This classic Irish-American dish is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any cozy family dinner. The symphony of flavors from tender corned beef, sweet cabbage, and vibrant veggies makes for a hearty meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. With a few creative twists, this recipe elevates traditional corned beef and cabbage into a delightful feast!

Ingredients

For the main dish

• 3-4 lbs corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 6-8 small potatoes, halved (red or Yukon Gold preferred)
• 1 medium head of green cabbage, cut into wedges

For the cooking liquid

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry stout or pale ale (optional but recommended)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the corned beef: Rinse the corned beef under cold water to remove excess salt. Place it in a large pot or slow cooker.

2. Add aromatics and liquid: Add the quartered onion, minced garlic, and the spice packet (if it comes with the brisket). Pour in the beef broth and stout (if using), along with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and mustard seeds.

🍺 The stout adds a rich depth of flavor, but feel free to skip it and just use broth if you prefer a lighter version!

3. Cook the corned beef: Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours (or high for 4 hours) until the corned beef is fork-tender.

4. Add vegetables: About 1 hour before you’re ready to serve, add the carrots and potatoes. After 30 minutes, gently place the cabbage wedges on top, ensuring they are submerged to absorb the delicious flavors.

5. Finish cooking: Cover the pot and let the cabbage cook for an additional 30 minutes until tender.

6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with the cabbage and vegetables, drizzling some of the cooking liquid over everything for extra flavor!

🍽️ This dish pairs wonderfully with a slice of hearty brown bread or traditional soda bread to soak up all those savory juices!

Variations

• Spicy: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the cooking liquid for a little kick! 🌶️
• Vegetarian: Replace corned beef with jackfruit or a savory seitan and keep the rest of the ingredients intact for a plant-based version.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Use the same ingredients but cook on low for 8-10 hours unattended for an easy weekday meal.
• Herbaceous Twist: Add fresh thyme and rosemary to the pot for additional aromatic flavors that brighten the dish.

Storage

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful and savory corned beef and cabbage recipe! 🌿🥗