How To Cook Corned Beef

Corned beef is a popular dish all over the world, especially during St. Patrick's Day. This dish is made from beef brisket that has been soaked in brine and spices for days. It is then boiled until tender and served with different sides such as potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. This article will provide an easy guide on how to cook corned beef, whether you are a beginner or not.

Ingredients

- 4-5 lbs. corned beef brisket

- 1 onion, chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 3-4 carrots, peeled and chopped

- 3-4 potatoes, peeled and chopped

- 1-2 cups of chopped cabbage

- 1 tsp. black peppercorns

- 1 tsp. coriander seeds

- 1 tsp. mustard seeds

- Bay leaves (optional)

- Water

- Salt

- Butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the beef

- Remove the beef brisket from the package and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.

- In a large pot, add the peppercorns, coriander, and mustard seeds. You can use a spice bag or cheesecloth to hold the spices to avoid them floating around in the pot.

- Add the beef brisket to the pot and cover it with enough water to submerge it completely.

- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bay leaves (optional) for extra flavour.

- Bring the water to a boil then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours.

2. Cooking the vegetables

- After 2 hours, add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot.

- Simmer for another 20-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. You can use a fork to test if they are cooked through.

- Remove the vegetables from the pot and set them aside.

3. Preparing the cabbage

- Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until tender.

- Remove the cabbage from the pot and set it aside.

4. Slicing and serving

- Take the beef brisket out of the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it against the grain. This will make the meat tender and easy to slice.

- Serve the sliced beef on a platter with the cooked vegetables on the side.

- Drizzle some melted butter over the vegetables (optional) and season with salt to taste.

Tips:

- It's important to rinse the beef brisket before cooking to remove any excess salt from the brine.

- You can use any type of pot that is large enough to hold the brisket and vegetables, but a Dutch oven or stockpot works well.

- You can add other vegetables like turnips, parsnips, or sweet potatoes to the pot for added flavour and nutrition.

- Leftover cooked corned beef can be sliced and used for sandwiches or salads.

In conclusion, cooking corned beef is quite easy and straightforward. With this guide, anyone can make this delicious meal at home. The key is to take your time during the cooking process, and ensure all the ingredients are cooking correctly. This dish is perfect for a gathering or even a hearty dinner at home. Enjoy!