Hearty Irish Comfort Meal (Traditional Irish Boiled Bacon & Cabbage)
A simple, cozy meal made with just a few ingredients—perfect for chilly nights and full of old-fashioned flavor.
Ingredients
2 to 3 lbs corned pork (or bacon joint / Irish boiling bacon)
1 small head green cabbage, cut into wedges
6 medium potatoes, peeled
1 large onion, peeled and halved
Water, enough to cover
1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
2 bay leaves (optional)
Butter, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Boil the meat
Place the pork or bacon joint in a large pot. Add onion, peppercorns, and bay leaves if using. Cover with water.
Simmer slowly
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2 to 2½ hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
Cook the potatoes
Add peeled potatoes to the pot during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.
Add the cabbage
Place cabbage wedges into the pot during the last 15–20 minutes so they become tender but not mushy.
Serve
Slice the meat and serve hot with potatoes and cabbage. Add a little butter over the vegetables and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Optional Mustard Sauce
Mix:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon mustard
Cook in a small saucepan until smooth and thickened, then spoon over the meat.
Simple, warm, and exactly the kind of meal that tastes like family tradition.
