St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef Recipe

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with Delicious Corned Beef and Traditional Sides

As March approaches, the festive spirit of Saint Patrick's Day begins to fill the air. This annual celebration of Irish culture and heritage is not only marked by parades and the wearing of green but also by indulging in delicious traditional Irish cuisine. One iconic dish that takes center stage during this time is corned beef, a hearty and flavorful meal that is sure to delight your taste buds. In this post, we'll explore the history of Saint Patrick's Day, delve into the origins of corned beef, and share a mouthwatering recipe along with some classic side dishes to complement your feast. You can order our delicious, pre-cured corned beef here. But if you’re in the mood to try it from scratch, we are excited to share our corned beef recipe with you!

A Brief History of Saint Patrick’s Day: Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th each year, commemorating the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While it started as a religious feast day in the early 17th century, it has since evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Today, people of all backgrounds come together to honor Saint Patrick by wearing green, attending parades, and enjoying traditional Irish foods and drinks.

The Origins of Corned Beef: While corned beef has become synonymous with Saint Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States, its origins trace back to Ireland's history of cattle farming. In centuries past, beef was a luxury enjoyed primarily by the wealthy in Ireland, with pork being the more common meat for the average household. However, during the 19th century, Irish immigrants in America found that beef was more readily available and affordable than in their homeland. They adapted their culinary traditions, substituting beef for pork in dishes such as bacon and cabbage, and thus, corned beef became a staple of Irish American cuisine.

Recipe: Traditional Corned Beef with Cabbage and Potatoes: Now, let's dive into the kitchen and prepare a classic Saint Patrick's Day meal that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 (3 to 4-pound) corned beef brisket (store-bought or homemade recipe below)

• 6 cups water

• 1 onion, quartered

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

• 6 small red potatoes, halved

• 4 carrots, cut into chunks

• 1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water, then place it in a large pot.

2. Add water, onion, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns to the pot.

3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender.

4. Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

5. Finally, add the cabbage to the pot and simmer for another 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

7. Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked vegetables and some grainy mustard on the side.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Irish Soda Bread: A hearty bread made with flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and sometimes raisins or currants.

• Colcannon: Mashed potatoes mixed with cooked cabbage or kale, butter, and sometimes scallions or leeks.

• Irish Stout: Pair your meal with a pint of Guinness or another Irish stout for an authentic touch.

Homemade Corned Beef:

Making corned beef from scratch involves a curing process where a brisket is soaked in a seasoned brine for about a week. Here's a basic recipe to make corned beef from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the brine:

• 1 5-7 pound beef brisket

• 1 gallon water

• 1 cup kosher salt

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons pink curing salt (sodium nitrite, also known as Prague Powder #1)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons pickling spices (a mix of peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, allspice berries, cloves, and red pepper flakes)

• 2 bay leaves

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, pink curing salt, minced garlic, pickling spices, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let the brine cool completely.

2. Place the brisket in a large container or a food-safe plastic bag, and pour the cooled brine over it, making sure the brisket is fully submerged. If using a bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing it. Refrigerate the brisket in the brine for 5-7 days, turning it occasionally to ensure even curing.

3. After the curing period, remove the brisket from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt.

Conclusion:

This Saint Patrick's Day, embrace the spirit of the Irish with a delicious feast featuring traditional corned beef and classic side dishes. Whether you're celebrating with family or friends, this hearty meal is sure to bring joy and warmth to your gathering. So, don your green attire, raise a glass, and enjoy the flavors of Ireland as you toast to the luck of the Irish. Happy Saint Patrick's Day!