Patrick’s Corned Beef and Cabbage

In a 12- to 14-qt. pot* over medium-high heat, cook onions and carrots with olive oil, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden, 15 to 20 minutes. 

Drain any liquid from corned beef. Add beef and seasonings from packets to pot along with vinegar, stout, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, dill seeds, allspice, and bay leaves; then add water to barely cover beef. Cover pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, occasionally turning beef over and adding water so meat is mostly covered (after a while it will start floating), until meat is tender when pierced, 4 to 5 hours. 

Meanwhile, scrub potatoes, cut in half, and put in a bowl or bowls of water as they’re prepped to keep from browning (set aside for up to 2 hours). Cut cabbage in half through core, then through core into 12 wedges (the core helps hold pieces together).

Drain potatoes and add to cooking liquid in the pot, then set cabbage in pot (some wedges will rest on top of meat). Cover and return to simmering over high heat; then reduce heat and simmer until cabbage is tender when pierced, 15 to 20 minutes.

With 2 slotted spoons, scoop cabbage, potatoes, and carrots into a warm, large serving bowl; cover with foil. Using tongs and a slotted spoon, transfer beef to a cutting board. Cut off and discard fat, slice meat across the grain, and set on a warm platter. (If you’re not quite ready to serve, tightly cover meat with foil and keep meat and vegetables warm in a 150° oven up to 45 minutes; or drape foil-covered dishes with heavy towels and keep warm on a counter.)

Scatter parsley over corned beef if you like. Serve corned beef and vegetables with mustards.

*Patrick likes the flavor and texture of Shenson corned beef. Find large sauce pots and stockpots at webrestaurantstore.com.