Corned Beef And Cabbage

Ingredients:

5 lb/ 2 kg joint of corned beef
1 large cabbage
bay leaf
2 large onions
cold water to cover
2 large carrots
ground black pepper
4 potatoes

(serves four to six)

Method:

Quarter the cabbage and put aside. Peel and slice the other vegetables. Cover the meat with the water and bring to the boil. Skim the surface, add the vegetables (except the cabbage), the bay leaf and the pepper and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Add the cabbage and cook for a further 30 minutes. Serve the meat surrounded by the vegetables with additional mashed potatoes.

Corned beef is brisket, topside or silverside which has been pickled in brine. It is especially popular around Dublin. It is best to soak a joint overnight to remove excess salt.