New England boiled dinner facts for kids
A New England boiled dinner is a classic meal from the New England region of the United States. It's a hearty dish made with corned beef, which is beef that has been cured (preserved) with salt. Along with the beef, it includes cabbage and different kinds of root vegetables. These vegetables grow underground and often include potatoes, rutabagas, parsnips, carrots, turnips, or onions.
This meal is known for being simple to make and very filling. If there are any leftovers, people often chop them up and fry them. This fried dish is called "red flannel hash" and is a popular breakfast the next day. The New England boiled dinner is similar to other traditional boiled meat and vegetable dishes. One example is "boiled beef" from England. Another is a "Jiggs dinner" from Newfoundland, Canada.
A Taste of History: Irish-American Connections
The New England boiled dinner shares similarities with a dish called "corned beef and cabbage." This meal is often eaten by Irish-Americans, especially on St. Patrick's Day. While similar, the St. Patrick's Day version usually has fewer types of root vegetables.
In the 1800s, many Irish immigrants came to America. In Ireland, their traditional meal used bacon. However, bacon was expensive for many. When they arrived in American cities, they found that corned beef was much cheaper. It was a good substitute for bacon in their traditional boiled meal. This is how corned beef became a popular part of this dish in America.
How to Prepare a Boiled Dinner
Making a New England boiled dinner is quite simple. First, a whole piece of corned beef is placed in a large pot. Water is added to cover the meat completely. The meat then simmers (cooks slowly in hot water) on a stove or in a crock pot until it is almost tender.
Once the meat is nearly cooked, the cabbage and root vegetables are added to the pot. These vegetables cook along with the meat until everything is tender. Rutabagas and turnips are often included. If beets are part of the meal, they are usually cooked separately. This is because beets have a strong color that can turn the whole dinner pink!
Serving Your Boiled Dinner
After cooking, the meat and vegetables are taken out of the pot and sliced or arranged on a platter. People often serve this meal with different condiments. Popular choices include horseradish, mustard, and cider vinegar. These add extra flavor to the hearty dish.
