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What Day do you eat corned beef and cabbage?

Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional Irish dish that is commonly eaten on St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17th each year. However, this hearty meal can be enjoyed any time of the year. Here is an overview of when and why people eat corned beef and cabbage.

St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is by far the most popular day for eating corned beef and cabbage. This holiday, which celebrates Irish culture and St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, falls on March 17th each year. On this day, many people of Irish descent and people who want to celebrate Irish culture will cook up a meal of corned beef brisket and cabbage. Some key facts about eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day include:

  • Corned beef sales in the United States spike by up to 300% around St. Patrick’s Day.
  • Over 20 pounds of corned beef is eaten every year in the U.S. on St. Patrick’s Day alone.
  • Cabbage sales also see a significant increase around this holiday.
  • Irish pubs and restaurants serve a lot of corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day.
  • For many, it has become a tradition to eat the meal, even if they are not Irish.

So if you want an authentic St. Patrick’s Day experience, corned beef and cabbage is the perfect meal to cook and enjoy.

Other Holidays

While St. Patrick’s Day is the most popular holiday for eating it, corned beef and cabbage can also be eaten on other holidays and occasions, such as:

  • New Year’s Day – Some eat it on January 1st for good luck in the New Year.
  • Easter – The Sunday feast after Lent is over.
  • Irish Festivals – Irish cultural festivals and events.
  • Fall and Winter Holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah.
  • Birthdays – For someone who enjoys Irish culture.

It makes for great hearty comfort food during the colder months when cabbage is in season. The leftovers also make excellent sandwiches.

Year-Round Enjoyment

Though Irish-themed holidays and events are great times for it, you certainly don’t have to limit yourself to only eating corned beef and cabbage once a year. Here are some reasons you may want to enjoy it year-round:

  • It’s a budget-friendly meal using inexpensive ingredients.
  • The ingredients are readily available year-round.
  • It’s easy to cook in a crockpot or Instant Pot.
  • Kids often enjoy this meal of meat and potatoes.
  • The leftovers can be used in other recipes like sandwiches, hash, or soup.

So feel free to cook up some corned beef and cabbage anytime for a hearty meal steeped in Irish tradition!

How to Cook Corned Beef and Cabbage

Here is a quick rundown of how to cook this classic meal:

  1. Pick out a corned beef brisket and allow 3/4 to 1 pound per person. Choose a cut with lots of fat marbling.
  2. Rinse the corned beef and place it in a pot or slow cooker. Cover with water.
  3. Add any seasoning packets that came with the meat. You can also add spices like garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves.
  4. Cover and cook for 2-3 hours on the stove or 6-8 hours on low in a slow cooker.
  5. Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and cabbage during the last 30-60 minutes so they’re tender but not overcooked.
  6. Once done, remove the meat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
  7. Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked vegetables and enjoy!

Common Side Dishes

In addition to cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, other tasty side dishes often paired with corned beef and cabbage include:

  • Soda bread or Irish wheaten bread
  • Mustard and horseradish
  • Buttery boiled parsley potatoes
  • Irish white soup
  • Guinness or other Irish beer

Conclusion

Corned beef and cabbage has become a meal synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day and Irish culture. However, it can be enjoyed year-round as a budget-friendly comfort food. The ingredients are easy to source any time of year and leftovers make great sandwiches. Cook it in a crockpot, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Serve with Irish soda bread, mustard, and a pint of Guinness for an authentic Irish meal.