Corned beef is a beloved dish that has been a staple in many cuisines around the world, particularly in Irish and American cooking. The tender, flavorful meat is often served with a variety of sides to complement its rich flavor. One of the most popular and essential components of a corned beef meal is the starch that accompanies it. But what starch goes with corned beef? In this article, we will explore the different types of starches that pair perfectly with corned beef, and provide you with some delicious recipe ideas to try at home.
Understanding Corned Beef
Before we dive into the world of starches, let’s take a brief look at what corned beef is and how it’s made. Corned beef is a type of cured beef that is made by soaking beef brisket or round in a seasoned brine solution. The brine solution typically includes salt, sugar, and spices, which help to preserve the meat and give it a distinctive flavor. The beef is then slow-cooked in liquid, such as water or broth, until it is tender and falls apart easily.
The Importance of Starch in a Corned Beef Meal
Starch plays a crucial role in a corned beef meal, as it helps to balance out the richness of the meat. A good starch can soak up the flavorful juices of the corned beef, making each bite a satisfying and filling experience. Additionally, starch can provide a nice textural contrast to the tender meat, adding depth and variety to the dish.
Popular Starches that Go with Corned Beef
So, what starch goes with corned beef? Here are some popular options:
Boiled Potatoes
Boiled potatoes are a classic pairing for corned beef, and for good reason. The fluffy, tender potatoes soak up the flavorful juices of the meat perfectly, making each bite a comforting and satisfying experience. To make boiled potatoes, simply place diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, then drain and serve alongside your corned beef.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are another popular starch that pairs well with corned beef. The creamy, smooth texture of mashed potatoes provides a nice contrast to the tender meat, and the flavor can be enhanced with garlic, butter, or cream. To make mashed potatoes, simply boil diced potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Colcannon
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish that consists of mashed potatoes mixed with kale or cabbage, onions, and sometimes ham. It’s a delicious and hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with corned beef. To make colcannon, simply boil diced potatoes and kale until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
Braised red cabbage with apples is a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with corned beef. The sweetness of the apples balances out the bitterness of the cabbage, while the tender texture provides a nice contrast to the meat. To make braised red cabbage with apples, simply sauté chopped onions and apples in butter until tender, then add shredded cabbage and a splash of vinegar. Braise until the cabbage is tender, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Rye Bread
Rye bread is a dense and flavorful bread that pairs perfectly with corned beef. The slightly sour taste of the bread balances out the richness of the meat, while the dense texture provides a nice contrast. To make rye bread, simply mix together flour, yeast, salt, and caraway seeds, then knead and bake until golden brown.
Other Starch Options
While the above options are some of the most popular starches that go with corned beef, there are many other options to choose from. Here are a few ideas:
Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with corned beef. The sweetness of the carrots balances out the savory flavor of the meat, while the tender texture provides a nice contrast. To make roasted carrots, simply toss chopped carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until tender.
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a tasty and elegant side dish that pairs perfectly with corned beef. The crunch of the green beans provides a nice contrast to the tender meat, while the flavor of the almonds adds a nice depth to the dish. To make green beans almondine, simply sauté chopped green beans and sliced almonds in butter until tender, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe Ideas
Here are a few recipe ideas that feature corned beef and starch:
Corned Beef and Boiled Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound corned beef
- 4-6 boiled potatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Place the corned beef in a large pot and cover with beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the meat is tender.
- Meanwhile, boil diced potatoes until tender.
- Serve the corned beef with boiled potatoes, chopped onion, and garlic.
Corned Beef and Colcannon
Ingredients:
- 1 pound corned beef
- 4-6 colcannon
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Place the corned beef in a large pot and cover with beef broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the meat is tender.
- Meanwhile, boil diced potatoes and kale until tender.
- Mash the potatoes and kale with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Serve the corned beef with colcannon, chopped onion, and garlic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many delicious starches that pair perfectly with corned beef. From boiled potatoes to rye bread, there’s a starch out there to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re looking for a classic pairing or something new and exciting, we hope this article has provided you with some inspiration for your next corned beef meal. So go ahead, get creative, and find your perfect starch to pair with corned beef!
What is the traditional starch pairing for corned beef?
The traditional starch pairing for corned beef is boiled potatoes. This classic combination is a staple in many Irish and American households, particularly around St. Patrick’s Day. The boiled potatoes help to soak up the flavorful juices of the corned beef, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Boiled potatoes are also a great choice because they are relatively neutral in flavor, which allows the corned beef to take center stage. Additionally, the texture of the boiled potatoes provides a nice contrast to the tender, fall-apart texture of the corned beef.
What other starch options can I pair with corned beef?
If you’re looking for alternative starch options to pair with corned beef, there are several choices available. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, and even pasta. Mashed potatoes are a great choice if you want a creamy, comforting side dish that pairs well with the rich flavor of corned beef.
Roasted potatoes, on the other hand, offer a nice crispy texture that complements the tender corned beef. Pasta is also a great option, particularly if you’re looking for a lighter, more summery take on the classic corned beef and potatoes combination. Simply toss cooked pasta with some chopped corned beef, diced veggies, and a tangy sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Can I pair corned beef with rice?
Yes, you can definitely pair corned beef with rice. In fact, rice is a popular starch option in many Asian-inspired corned beef dishes. The key is to choose a flavorful rice dish that complements the rich flavor of the corned beef. Try pairing corned beef with a spicy fried rice or a flavorful coconut rice for a unique twist on the classic combination.
When pairing corned beef with rice, be sure to balance the flavors and textures. For example, if you’re serving a spicy fried rice, you may want to tone down the seasoning on the corned beef. Conversely, if you’re serving a mild coconut rice, you may want to add some extra spices to the corned beef to give it a boost of flavor.
What about pairing corned beef with polenta?
Polenta is another great starch option to pair with corned beef. The creamy texture of the polenta helps to balance out the richness of the corned beef, while the mild flavor of the polenta won’t overpower the other ingredients. Try serving corned beef with a side of creamy polenta and steamed veggies for a hearty, comforting meal.
When pairing corned beef with polenta, be sure to cook the polenta until it’s creamy and smooth. You can also add some flavorings to the polenta, such as herbs or spices, to give it an extra boost of flavor. Additionally, consider serving the corned beef on top of the polenta, rather than alongside it, to create a fun and visually appealing presentation.
Can I pair corned beef with quinoa?
Yes, you can definitely pair corned beef with quinoa. Quinoa is a nutritious and flavorful starch option that pairs well with the rich flavor of corned beef. Try serving corned beef with a side of roasted veggies and quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.
When pairing corned beef with quinoa, be sure to cook the quinoa until it’s tender and fluffy. You can also add some flavorings to the quinoa, such as herbs or spices, to give it an extra boost of flavor. Additionally, consider mixing some chopped veggies or herbs into the quinoa to add some extra texture and flavor.
What about pairing corned beef with grits?
Grits are another great starch option to pair with corned beef. The creamy texture of the grits helps to balance out the richness of the corned beef, while the mild flavor of the grits won’t overpower the other ingredients. Try serving corned beef with a side of creamy grits and steamed veggies for a hearty, comforting meal.
When pairing corned beef with grits, be sure to cook the grits until they’re creamy and smooth. You can also add some flavorings to the grits, such as cheese or herbs, to give them an extra boost of flavor. Additionally, consider serving the corned beef on top of the grits, rather than alongside it, to create a fun and visually appealing presentation.
Can I pair corned beef with other starches, such as farro or bulgur?
Yes, you can definitely pair corned beef with other starches, such as farro or bulgur. These nutty, whole-grain starches offer a nice contrast in texture to the tender corned beef, and their mild flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients. Try serving corned beef with a side of roasted veggies and farro or bulgur for a healthy and satisfying meal.
When pairing corned beef with farro or bulgur, be sure to cook the grains until they’re tender and fluffy. You can also add some flavorings to the grains, such as herbs or spices, to give them an extra boost of flavor. Additionally, consider mixing some chopped veggies or herbs into the grains to add some extra texture and flavor.