The history of of Corned Beef & Cabbage

Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional Irish-American dish that has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States. However, the dish actually has its origins in the working-class Irish communities in the northeastern United States in the 19th century.

When Irish immigrants arrived in America, they found that beef was more affordable than it was in Ireland, where it was mainly a luxury item. In the United States, beef was more readily available and cheaper, so the Irish began to substitute corned beef for the traditional bacon used in their Irish dishes.

Although as of this writing pork is notably cheaper than beef, Irish corned beef and cabbage remains a beloved dish in many Irish-American communities that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you’re in the mood for a hearty meal. Here’s a recipe to make it:

Ingredients:

3-4 lb. corned beef brisket
1 onion, peeled and quartered
3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
3 bay leaves
1 tsp. black peppercorns
4-6 cups of water
1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges
8-10 small potatoes, scrubbed
4-6 carrots, peeled and chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Rinse the corned beef under cold water and pat dry. Place it in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the pot. Pour enough water over the meat to cover it completely.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the corned beef is tender.
After 2-3 hours, add the cabbage wedges, potatoes, and carrots to the pot. Simmer for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Remove the corned beef and vegetables from the pot and place them on a serving platter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

An optional and highly recommended way to treat the cabbage is to thinly slice or grate it, place in a pan with a lump of butter and a chopped onion. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover and stir now and again for 20 minutes. Try it next time. It’s incredible!