Traditional Corned Beef and Vegetables

1. Cure the Brisket

To begin, mix together the kosher salt, pink salt or saltpeter, and brown sugar. Rub this mixture all over the brisket, ensuring it is evenly covered. Place the peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, allspice berries, cloves, ginger, and bay leaves into a large resealable bag along with the brisket. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate it for 7 days, turning the bag over daily. This curing process allows the meat to absorb the spices fully, infusing it with rich, deep flavors.

2. Cook in Sous-Vide Cooker

After the brisket has been cured, rinse off the spices under cold water and pat the meat dry with paper towels. Place the brisket in a vacuum-sealed bag and cook it in a sous-vide cooker set to 180°F (82°C) for 10 hours. This gentle cooking method ensures the brisket becomes tender while preserving its flavor.

3. Cook in Dutch Oven

If you prefer a more traditional cooking method, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Rinse the spices off the cured brisket and pat it dry. Place the brisket in a large Dutch oven, cover it with water, and bring it to a simmer on the stovetop. Once simmering, cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook the brisket for about 4 hours until it is tender.

4. Store Cooked Beef

Once the brisket is cooked, transfer it along with the cooking liquid to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least overnight, but preferably up to 3 days. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.

5. Cook Vegetables and Reheat Beef

When ready to serve, bring the cooking liquid to a boil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, and cook until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, slice the beef and heat it gently in a large skillet with some of the cooking liquid to keep it moist.

6. Serve

Serve the corned beef immediately with the boiled vegetables, and a side of hot mustard if desired. Enjoy your traditional corned beef and vegetables, a meal that is rich in flavor and steeped in tradition.