Corned beef and cabbage might be the ultimate Seriously Simple recipe. What could be easier than slowly cooking a corned beef with winter vegetables? Not much. You can either cook this in a large pot on the stove or use a large slow cooker. The key is to make sure that the meat is fork tender.

You’ll find uncooked seasoned corned beef in the meat section of your market this time of year. If you are serving a crowd you will want to double this recipe because a 4 pound corned beef will serve 6 at most. Corned beef brisket will shrink more than you think, so plan accordingly.

Each year I make the standard corned beef and cabbage and it is always well received. This year I wanted to shake it up a bit so I decided to glaze the corned beef and caramelize the cabbage for a surprisingly delicious, yet familiar meal. Cooking in stages is one of the secrets to being a Seriously Simple cook. Here you can cook the corned beef and sauté the cabbage hours ahead so the last minute cooking is minimal. These steps can be done up to 6 hours ahead.

Most recipes call for serving the corned beef, cabbage and root vegetables right out of the pot. This rendition cooks the corned beef completely and then is finished with a sweet and savory apricot mustard glaze that adds a wonderful flavor dimension. Cabbage is one of those vegetables that I think is very underrated. I am a big fan of sautéing it to bring out its’ sweetness. The leeks add even more garden sweetness. It’s easy to do this while the corned beef is simmering.

Make sure to reserve the broth for cooking the root vegetables. The pickling spices from the broth add a tangy, savory flavor to the winter root vegetables. To drink, try an Irish stout, of course! If you have time make the soda bread (see recipe) to accompany this classic dish.

 

Glazed Corned Beef on a Bed of Caramelized Cabbage with Root Vegetables

Serves 4 to 6

1 (4) pound corned beef

 

Caramelized Leeks and Cabbage

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 leeks light green and white part, cleaned and thinly sliced

1 medium cabbage, cored removed and thinly shredded

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Glaze

¼ cup whole grainy Dijon mustard

¼ cup apricot preserves

½ teaspoon light soy sauce

 

Root Vegetables

6 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces

2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces

8 to 10 small unpeeled white or red potatoes

2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley

 

1. Place the corned beef along with the pickling spices in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for about 4 hours or until fork tender. (Think about 1 hour for each pound.) Remove from the pot, drain and place on a baking sheet. Reserve the broth.

 

2. Meanwhile heat the oil and butter in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the leeks and sauté about 7 to 10 minutes or until nicely softened and lightly browned. Add the cabbage and toss with the leeks, cover and cook for about 10 more minutes or until starting to soften.

 

3. Remove the cover and turn up the heat to medium-high and continue cooking until the cabbage is wilted and beginning to caramelize. Add salt and pepper, about ½ cup of the corned beef broth and cook until the cabbage is moist but no liquid remains. Season to taste. Reserve.

 

4. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Make the glaze: combine the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and spoon evenly over the cooked corned beef.

 

5. Bake until the glaze is bubbling and brown, about 20 minutes. Place on a carving board, let rest 10 minutes. Slice the corned beef across the grain into ¼-inch slices.

 

6. While the corned beef is in the oven add the vegetables to the broth and bring to a boil on heat; reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.

 

7. To serve: Spoon the braised cabbage on a rectangular platter. Arrange the drained vegetables around the side. Arrange the corned beef slices on top of the cabbage. Spoon a bit of the broth on top, garnish with parsley and serve immediately. (You can also serve on individual plates.)

 

Advance Prep: This can be made through step 3 up to 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate the corned beef until continuing. Cover the cabbage and gently reheat just before serving. Remember to reserve the broth.