Slow-Cooked Comfort: Creating A Hearty Corned Beef Hot Pot

Corned beef hot pot is a delicious, hearty meal that can be made easily in a slow cooker. This dish typically includes corned beef, vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, and a liquid such as water, beer, or broth. The slow cooker ensures that the corned beef becomes tender and flavourful, and the addition of spices and herbs enhances the dish. This meal is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any day of the year and can be served with soda bread or cauliflower mash.

Choosing the right cut of corned beef

Corned beef is made from the brisket, a large and lean cut of meat from the steer's lower breast area. Brisket is typically used for corned beef because it used to be a cheap cut of meat due to its tough texture, and the Irish found ways to make it delicious. The collagen and strong muscle fibres in the brisket need to be broken down with low heat to coax out the best texture and flavour.

There are two cuts of corned beef: the flat cut and the point cut. The flat cut is leaner, easier to slice, and better for presentation, which is why it is the preferred cut for corned beef. It is also used for corned beef hash and Reubens. The point cut, on the other hand, is fattier, juicier, and more tender. It is better for shredding and is often used for pot roasts and shredded beef.

When selecting corned beef, the meat should feel firm. If it is soft or mushy, it contains too much fat. It is also important to buy a bit more meat than you think you need, as corned beef shrinks a lot during cooking. Aim for 3/4 pounds per person.

For the best flavour and texture, choose grass-fed and grass-finished brisket. The meat should be fresh, and bought from a producer that raises their cattle healthily and sustainably.

Preparing the vegetables

Next, chop an onion. You can slice, dice, or quarter it. Some recipes also call for pearl onions or frozen pearl onions. If you are using pearl onions, you will need one cup.

At this point, you can add your vegetables to the slow cooker. Some recipes suggest adding the vegetables at a later stage, halfway through the cooking time, or when there are only a couple of hours left. This is to prevent overcooking and ensure they retain some texture.

If you want to add cabbage to your hot pot, it is best to cook it separately. Cut a small or half head of green cabbage into six wedges and roast it in the oven. You can also substitute green cabbage with purple cabbage.

Cooking the corned beef

Corned beef is a salt-cured brisket. It is commonly sold with a seasoning packet that includes bay leaves, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and dill seeds. Corned beef is available in two different cuts: flat cut and point cut. The flat cut is easier to slice evenly and is leaner, while the point cut can have more marbling but is usually not uniform in size.

To cook corned beef in a slow cooker, place the brisket fat-side up into the slow cooker and sprinkle with the pickling spice. You can also add whole cloves throughout the brisket. Add garlic, bay leaves, and enough water to cover the brisket by at least one inch. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours.

After the initial cooking time, add carrots and potatoes to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for an additional 2-3 hours, or until tender.

Once the corned beef and vegetables are cooked, remove the meat onto a cutting board and slice into strips. Serve the meat with potatoes and carrots, garnished with parsley if desired.

Adding the vegetables

When adding the vegetables to your corned beef hot pot, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the type of vegetables you use can vary depending on your preference. Common choices include onions, carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and cabbage. You can also add in some baked beans for a heartier dish.

It is recommended to add the vegetables to the slow cooker halfway through the cooking process to prevent overcooking. For example, if your corned beef is cooking for 8-9 hours, add the vegetables after about 4-5 hours. This ensures that the vegetables retain their texture and don't become too mushy.

If you are using cabbage, it is best to add it towards the end of the cooking process. This is because cabbage cooks relatively quickly and can easily become overcooked and mushy. Add the cabbage during the last hour or hour and a half of cooking, depending on how tender you like your cabbage.

When adding the vegetables, simply place them into the slow cooker and give them a gentle mix to combine with the other ingredients. You can also add a little extra butter on top for some extra flavour and richness.

• Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• You can add a variety of root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, swede, or leeks.
• If you want to add a layer of cheese to your hot pot, grate some mature cheddar cheese and add it after the corned beef and vegetables have been cooking for about 2 hours.
• If you're short on time, you can cook the sliced potatoes in an air fryer before adding them to the slow cooker, reducing the overall cooking time.
• If you're using canned corned beef, there's no need to cook it separately as it's already cooked. Simply add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Serving suggestions

Corned beef hot pot is a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for a cold winter's day or a festive celebration. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your dish:

• Traditional Side Dishes: Corned beef hot pot is often served with a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and cabbage. These vegetables can be cooked alongside the meat in the slow cooker or prepared separately.
• Bread: Soda bread is a classic accompaniment to corned beef, providing a warm and satisfying contrast to the tender meat.
• Condiments: A variety of condiments can enhance the flavour of corned beef. Mustard or horseradish cream can add a spicy kick, while gravy can provide a rich and savoury touch.
• Salads and Mash: For a lighter option, serve your corned beef with a fresh salad or a side of cauliflower mash.
• Dessert: For a festive touch, finish your meal with a dessert such as chocolate stout cupcakes.
• Leftovers: Corned beef makes excellent leftovers. Create delicious sandwiches, such as a Corned Beef Reuben, or add it to eggs for a hearty breakfast hash.
• Beverages: Pair your corned beef hot pot with a dark beer, such as a stout, or a full-bodied red wine to complement the rich flavours of the dish.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a well-rounded and enjoyable meal for your family and friends.

Frequently asked questions