Corn Beef And Cabbage In Slow Cooker
St. Patrick's Day is a holiday celebrated every year on March 17th. It is a day to celebrate Irish culture and honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. One common tradition on this day is to eat corned beef and cabbage. This dish is a classic Irish-American meal that has become a staple in many households, especially during this holiday.
Origin Of Corned Beef And Cabbage
The history of corned beef and cabbage dates back to the early 1900s when Irish immigrants first came to America. They couldn't afford to buy the traditional Irish meal of bacon and cabbage, so they substituted corned beef instead. Corned beef was a cheaper alternative and readily available in the United States. It was also easier to cook than bacon as it didn't require curing or smoking.
The Best Way To Cook Corned Beef And Cabbage
The best way to cook corned beef and cabbage is in the slow cooker. This method allows the meat to cook slowly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Plus, it is super easy to make and requires minimal effort. You can set it and forget it, and come back to a delicious meal. Below is an easy recipe that you can follow to make the perfect corned beef and cabbage in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs corned beef brisket
- 1 head of cabbage, chopped
- 6-8 small red potatoes, halved
- 2-3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4-6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 4-5 cups of water
Directions
- Start by rinsing the corned beef under running water to remove any excess brine that may be on the meat. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Place the corned beef in the slow cooker, fat side up.
- Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves on top of the meat.
- Add enough water to the slow cooker to cover the meat. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours.
- An hour before serving, add the chopped cabbage, halved potatoes, and chopped carrots to the slow cooker. Cover it again and continue to cook on low heat for an additional hour.
- Remove the meat from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing it against the grain.
- Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked veggies and enjoy!
Conclusion
Corned beef and cabbage is the perfect comfort food for any occasion, but especially for St. Patrick's Day. It is a classic Irish-American meal that has become a staple in many households. The slow cooker is the best way to cook this dish as it allows the meat to cook slowly, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal. Try out our easy recipe above and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills. Happy St. Patrick's Day!