Boiled Dinner

boiled_dinner

New England Boiled Dinner is a classic one-pot meal that has become a staple in New England cuisine. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for a cold winter evening and is a favorite among families throughout the region. The origins of this dish can be traced back to the early 1800s, when it was typically made with salt pork, turnips, potatoes, and cabbage. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include other ingredients such as carrots, onions, and even corned beef or ham.

New England Boiled Dinner is a relatively simple dish to prepare, but it requires some patience and attention to detail. The first step is to choose the right cut of meat. Many people prefer to use corned beef brisket, which is a cut of beef that has been salt-cured. This gives the meat a distinctive flavor and tenderizes it, making it perfect for slow cooking. Alternatively, you can use a smoked ham hock or bacon, which will add a smoky flavor to the dish.

Once you have your meat, you’ll need to prepare the vegetables. Start with some sturdy root vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Cut them into large chunks, about two inches in size. Then, add in some sweet onions, parsnips, and turnips for added flavor and texture. Finally, add in some cabbage or kale for a pop of color and nutrition.

The key to boiling dinner is to cook the vegetables and the meat together, but not all at once. You’ll want to start with the meat and root vegetables since they take the longest to cook. Be sure to use enough water to cover the meat and vegetables, and add in some spices like bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns for added flavor.

Bring everything to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low. Let the meat and vegetables simmer for a few hours until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft. Then, add in the onions, parsnips, and turnips and let them cook for about twenty minutes. Finally, add in the cabbage or kale and cook for another ten minutes until everything is tender and fragrant.

When the meal is ready, serve it hot with a dollop of mustard or horseradish for some extra zing. You can also add a side of bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious broth. This is a simple and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out, and it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner on a cold winter evening.

In conclusion, New England Boiled Dinner is a classic dish that has stood the test of time. It’s a perfect example of the simple and wholesome cuisine that is so beloved in New England. By following this recipe, you can create a delicious and hearty meal that will feed your family and satisfy your cravings for comfort food.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (3-4 pound) corned beef brisket
  • 10-12 small red potatoes, halved
  • 4-5 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 1 medium cabbage, cut into wedges
  • 1 onion, peeled and quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • Water

Instructions:

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

  2. Add the garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns to the pot.

  3. Add enough water to the pot to cover the brisket by about two inches.

  4. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil.

  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the brisket for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until it is fork-tender.

  6. About 30-40 minutes before the brisket is done, add the potatoes and carrots to the pot.

  7. When the brisket is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes.

  8. Add the cabbage and onion to the pot and bring the liquid to a boil.

  9. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the vegetables for about 15-20 minutes, until they are tender.

  10. While the vegetables are cooking, slice the corned beef against the grain into thin slices.

  11. Serve the boiled dinner hot, with the vegetables and some of the cooking liquid spooned over the top of the corned beef slices. Enjoy!