Irish Spiced Beef

 Irish Spiced Beef is a traditional dish often associated with the festive season in Ireland, particularly around Christmas time. It involves brining a beef brisket in a flavorful mixture of spices and then slow-cooking it until tender. The resulting meat is typically served cold or at room temperature, thinly sliced, and makes a delicious addition to sandwiches, salads, or platters.

Here's a basic recipe for Irish Spiced Beef:

Ingredients:

- 3-4 pounds of beef brisket

- 4 cups of water

- 1 cup of kosher salt

- 1 cup of brown sugar

- 2 cinnamon sticks

- 4 whole cloves

- 4 whole allspice berries

- 2 bay leaves

 - 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds- 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds- 1 teaspoon of juniper berries

- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, bay leaves, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, juniper berries, and ground ginger. Bring the combination to a boil, stirring till the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove the pot from the heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.

2. Place the beef brisket in a deep container or a large zip-top bag. Pour the cooled brine over the brisket, ensuring it is completely submerged. If needed, place a plate or a heavy object on top to keep the meat immersed in the brine. Refrigerate and allow the brisket to brine for at least 5 days, and up to 10 days for a more intense flavor.

3. After the brining period, remove the brisket from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the brisket under cold water to remove any excess salt.

4. Place the rinsed brisket in a large pot and add enough water to cover it. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer the brisket, partially covered, for about 3 hours or until the meat is tender. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.

5. Once the brisket is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. For best results, it's recommended to chill the brisket in the refrigerator overnight before slicing.

6. When ready to serve, thinly slice the Irish Spiced Beef across the grain. You can serve it cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference. It makes a wonderful addition to sandwiches, served with mustard or horseradish sauce. You can also include it on a charcuterie board or enjoy it in salads.

Remember, the brining process takes several days, so plan accordingly. The long brining time ensures that the flavors penetrate the meat and create the distinctive taste of Irish Spiced Beef. Enjoy this traditional Irish dish as a delightful centerpiece or a flavorful addition to your holiday celebrations!