Corned Beef and Cabbage; The Real Story by Jodie Fitz
When I decided to share a Glazed Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe this week, I thought it would be fun to share the origins of this delicious meal that has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day fare. What I didn’t anticipate, is the fact that it’s not actually a traditional Irish meal; meaning corned beef and cabbage.
What is a traditional Irish meal? And, what are the origins of the dish? It appears it started as a boiled ham dinner, which is served in the same fashion with carrots, potatoes and cabbage; it’s just not as seasoned and flavorful. I’ve actually had this as a child and was not a fan, but it is inexpensive and can stretch a meal.
In Ireland, back in the day, pork was a less expensive and more readily available than beef. It was in America, where corned beef, found in the Jewish delicatessens was added to this boiled dinner to create a more flavorful meal. Corned beef certainly does change the flavor of this meal. Brining the meat with salt and spices dates back centuries as part of curing and preserving meats and the flavor is an added bonus! I have also found boiling vs. baking in a Dutch oven makes a big difference in texture and flavor as well.
What might you find on a St. Patrick’s Day menu in Ireland? It’s probably very diverse but could include any of the traditional Irish meals such as Leg of lamb with rosemary, Shepards pie made with lamb, lamb stew, chicken and lamb pie, soda bread and scones to name a few.
While the food is not what we are accustomed to, the celebration itself sounds like it definitely holds up to the ‘tradition’ that we do know including parades, the pubs spilling into the streets and a lot of green fashion for the holiday.
Whatever you’re planning for your celebration, check out the market for your St. Patrick’s Day plans…there are plenty of options to fill your plates.
This week’s Recipe: Glazed Corned Beef and Cabbage
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is currently open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., November through April at Wilton Mall Food Court; accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs. The CDTA’s 450 (from Schenectady) and 452 (from Skidmore College via downtown Saratoga) run to the Mall hourly Saturday mornings.
Visit www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
