Corned Beef and Cabbage

In this take on the classic Irish-American boiled dinner, the vegetables are drizzled with garlic butter and broiled for added flavor. Pickling spice is a blend of cardamom, bay leaves, ginger, peppercorns, and other flavorings; look for it in the spice aisle of your grocery store.

• 5 large cloves garlic, smashed
• 4 large sprigs fresh thyme  
• 3 Tbs. pickling spice
• 2 dried bay leaves  
• 1 Tbs. black peppercorns 
• 1 4- to 5-lb. corned beef brisket 
• 4 medium red potatoes (about 1-1/2 lb.), scrubbed and quartered
• 4 large carrots (about 1 lb.), peeled and cut into 2-inch lengths  
• 2 large yellow onions (about 1 lb.), quartered 
• 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2-inch lengths 
• 1 large head green cabbage (about 3 lb.), outer leaves discarded, quartered 
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Malt vinegar, for drizzling (optional) 

Cut a 5-inch square of cheese cloth and lay it on a flat work surface. Put 4 of the garlic cloves, the thyme, pickling spice, bay leaves, and peppercorns in the center of the cloth. Tie the opposite corners together, creating a pouch.

Put the brisket and the spice pouch in a 12-quart stock pot and add enough cold water to cover the brisket by 4 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, cover, and cook until the beef is nearly fork-tender, about 3-1/2 hours. 

Add the potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and cabbage. Simmer until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are just tender, about 30 minutes more. With tongs, transfer the meat to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes. 

Using a wire skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a foil-lined baking sheet. Reserve the cooking liquid and discard the spice pouch. 

In a 1-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat and add the remaining garlic clove. Cook until the garlic is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Discard the garlic.

Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the broiler on high. Drizzle the butter over the vegetables and broil until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. 

Slice the corned beef and arrange on a serving platter, surrounded by the vegetables. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the meat and pass the remaining liquid and malt vinegar (if using) on the side. Serve hot.

Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables

A cool noodle salad topped with soy-glazed stir-fried vegetables makes a light, refreshing meal. You can also substitute more unusual vegetables, like Chinese long beans or jícama. Keep in mind that though this dish is meatless, the nuoc cham dressing contains fish sauce; substitute soy sauce for a truly vegetarian version.

For the noodles:

• 8 oz. dried rice vermicelli

For the tofu and vegetables:

• 4 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 8 oz. firm tofu, drained and cut into rectangular strips about 1-inch wide
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 dried black mushrooms, soaked in hot water for 30 min., drained, stemmed, and thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (cut through their stems into thin slices), blanched in boiling water and drained
• 1-1/2 cups shredded green or Napa cabbage
• 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced bok choy
• 2 Tbs. soy sauce; more or less to taste
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

For the garnishes:

• 2 cups washed and shredded romaine, red, or green leaf lettuce
• 2 cups fresh, crisp bean sprouts
• 1-1/2 cups peeled, seeded, and julienned cucumber
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small whole mint leaves
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small basil or Thai basil leaves
• 2 Tbs. chopped roasted peanuts
• 12 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 1 recipe Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)

Cook the noodles:

Bring a medium potful of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice vermicelli and, stirring often, cook them until the strands are soft and white, but still resilient, 3 to 5 minutes. Don't be tempted to undercook them, as they must be fully cooked to absorb the flavors of the dish. Rinse them in a colander under cold water just until they're cool and the water runs clear. Let the noodles drain in the colander for 30 minutes, and then set them aside for up to 2 hours, unrefrigerated.

Cook the tofu and vegetables:

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu pieces and stir-fry until nicely browned. Remove and drain on paper towels. When cool, cut them into bite-size strips. Set aside.

Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over high heat. If the pan is smaller than 12 inches, cook the vegetables in two batches. Wait until the oil gets very hot, almost smoking (the vegetables should sizzle during the entire cooking time), and add the shallots, constantly stirring until they become fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for another 20 seconds. Add the broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy, stir for 30 seconds, and add the red bell pepper. (If the pan gets too dry, sprinkle in 1 to 2 Tbs. water.)

Working quickly, create an open space in the middle of the pan by pushing the vegetables against the edges. Add the soy sauce to the open area. It should sizzle and caramelize slightly, creating a distinctive aroma. Stir the vegetables with the soy sauce a few times and remove from the heat. Toss the vegetables with the tofu.

Assemble the salads:

Divide the lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil among four large soup or pasta bowls. Fluff the noodles with your fingers and divide them among the prepared salad bowls. Put the tofu and vegetables on the noodles and garnish each bowl with the peanuts and cilantro. Pass the nuoc cham at the table; each diner should drizzle about 3 Tbs. over the salad and then toss the salad in the bowl a few times with two forks or chopsticks before eating.

Lamb-and-Feta Stuffed Cabbage

These stuffed cabbage rolls (known as lahanodolmades in Greece) are slow-simmered in a slightly sweet, ouzo-infused tomato sauce. Use only short-grain rice in the filling; long-grain rice takes too long to soften.

• 1 large head green cabbage (about 3 lb.), outer leaves discarded, cored
• 1 lb. ground lamb
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 4 oz. (1 cup) crumbled feta
• 1/2 cup short-grain rice, such as Arborio
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 Tbs. finely chopped fresh oregano
• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds, crushed
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 15-oz. can crushed tomatoes (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup lower-salt chicken broth
• 1/3 cup ouzo or sambuca

Fill a tall, 8-quart (or larger) pot with enough water to submerge the whole cabbage and bring to a boil over high heat. Boil the cabbage until the outer leaves are bright green and start to pull away, about 4 minutes. Carefully pull them off with tongs and lay them on a baking sheet lined with a kitchen towel. Continue boiling the cabbage and removing its leaves in layers as they soften until the entire cabbage is cooked, 15 to 20 minutes total. Let cool.

In a large bowl, use your hands to combine the lamb, onion, egg, feta, rice, parsley, oregano, lemon juice, cumin, fennel, 2-1/2 tsp. salt, and 1ƒ tsp. pepper.

With a paring knife, remove the hard ribs from the cabbage leaves. Cut the larger leaves in half lengthwise.

 Coat the bottom of an 8- to 9-quart Dutch oven with the olive oil. Arrange several cabbage leaves on a work surface so they run lengthwise away from you. Working with one leaf, put about 1-1/2 Tbs. of the lamb mixture on the end closest to you. Fold the long sides in toward the lamb, and then roll away from you to enclose the meat. Put the roll in the pot, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and filling, arranging the rolls in a snug single layer (if necessary, add a loosely packed second layer).

Combine the tomatoes, broth, and ouzo in a medium bowl and pour the mixture over the rolls. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook, shaking the pot occasionally so the rolls don’t stick, until the rice in the filling is completely tender, 60ƒ to 90 minutes.

Vietnamese Noodle Salad with Stir-Fried Tofu and Vegetables

A cool noodle salad topped with soy-glazed stir-fried vegetables makes a light, refreshing meal. You can also substitute more unusual vegetables, like Chinese long beans or jícama. Keep in mind that though this dish is meatless, the nuoc cham dressing contains fish sauce; substitute soy sauce for a truly vegetarian version.

For the noodles:

• 8 oz. dried rice vermicelli

For the tofu and vegetables:

• 4 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 8 oz. firm tofu, drained and cut into rectangular strips about 1-inch wide
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 6 dried black mushrooms, soaked in hot water for 30 min., drained, stemmed, and thinly sliced
• 2 cups broccoli florets (cut through their stems into thin slices), blanched in boiling water and drained
• 1-1/2 cups shredded green or Napa cabbage
• 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced bok choy
• 2 Tbs. soy sauce; more or less to taste
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

For the garnishes:

• 2 cups washed and shredded romaine, red, or green leaf lettuce
• 2 cups fresh, crisp bean sprouts
• 1-1/2 cups peeled, seeded, and julienned cucumber
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small whole mint leaves
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup roughly chopped or small basil or Thai basil leaves
• 2 Tbs. chopped roasted peanuts
• 12 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 1 recipe Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)

Cook the noodles:

Bring a medium potful of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice vermicelli and, stirring often, cook them until the strands are soft and white, but still resilient, 3 to 5 minutes. Don't be tempted to undercook them, as they must be fully cooked to absorb the flavors of the dish. Rinse them in a colander under cold water just until they're cool and the water runs clear. Let the noodles drain in the colander for 30 minutes, and then set them aside for up to 2 hours, unrefrigerated.

Cook the tofu and vegetables:

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the tofu pieces and stir-fry until nicely browned. Remove and drain on paper towels. When cool, cut them into bite-size strips. Set aside.

Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over high heat. If the pan is smaller than 12 inches, cook the vegetables in two batches. Wait until the oil gets very hot, almost smoking (the vegetables should sizzle during the entire cooking time), and add the shallots, constantly stirring until they become fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for another 20 seconds. Add the broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy, stir for 30 seconds, and add the red bell pepper. (If the pan gets too dry, sprinkle in 1 to 2 Tbs. water.)

Working quickly, create an open space in the middle of the pan by pushing the vegetables against the edges. Add the soy sauce to the open area. It should sizzle and caramelize slightly, creating a distinctive aroma. Stir the vegetables with the soy sauce a few times and remove from the heat. Toss the vegetables with the tofu.

Assemble the salads:

Divide the lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, mint, and basil among four large soup or pasta bowls. Fluff the noodles with your fingers and divide them among the prepared salad bowls. Put the tofu and vegetables on the noodles and garnish each bowl with the peanuts and cilantro. Pass the nuoc cham at the table; each diner should drizzle about 3 Tbs. over the salad and then toss the salad in the bowl a few times with two forks or chopsticks before eating.

Caramelized Cabbage on Creamy Polenta

A good-quality aged cheese is wonderful in this dish. Taste the cheese before you use it to be sure it isn’t too salty. If you’re doubling the recipe, double the cooking time. You can keep the “pie” hot over simmering water for up to half an hour, but it doesn’t reheat well.

• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 lb. chopped pancetta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small sprig rosemary, chopped
• 2 lb. green, white, or Savoy cabbage, cored and thinly shredded
• 2 tsp. salt; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• About 3 Tbs. dry white wine (or water); more if needed
• A few drops balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup medium-coarse cornmeal, preferably organic stone-ground
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbs. butter
• 2 oz. finely grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano

Prepare the cabbage:

Heat the 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil in a wide, deep saucepan over medium heat. Add the pancetta, garlic, and rosemary and sauté until the pancetta and garlic soften, about 4 minutes. Add the cabbage, 1/2 tsp. of the salt, the pepper, wine, and 1/4 cup water; toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, adding a little more water or white wine whenever the cabbage seems too dry or begins to brown too fast, checking about every 5 minutes (the cabbage should stew slowly and brown lightly). After about 1 hour, uncover and cook, stirring, until the cabbage is meltingly tender, lightly caramelized, medium brown, and somewhat dry to the touch, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar, taste, and adjust seasonings.

Meanwhile, prepare the polenta:

Heat the oven to 350°F. In an oiled 3-qt. nonstick ovenproof skillet, combine the cornmeal, 4 cups water, the 1/2 tsp. olive oil, and the remaining 1-1/2 tsp. salt; stir briefly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, give the polenta a good stir, and return the pan to the oven to bake another 5 minutes. Stir in the butter and half of the cheese. Pour the polenta into a greased 9-inch heatproof dish, cover evenly with the cabbage, and scatter the remaining cheese on top. Bake until the tips of the cabbage are brown and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve hot.

Indian Spiced Cabbage

Here, warming notes of garam masala, freshly grated ginger, and a bit of red chile turn a head of cabbage into a satisfying side dish. If you like things spicy, use a super-hot chile, like a Scotch bonnet.

• 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2 Tbs. canola oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, cut into medium dice
• 3 medium cloves garlic, mashed to a paste with a pinch of salt
• 2 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger
• 1-1/2 tsp. freshly made or store-bought garam masala; more for finishing
• 1 fresh hot red chile, such as Thai bird, Fresno, or serrano, seeded and minced
• 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
• Kosher salt
• 1 large head green cabbage (about 3 lb.), outer leaves discarded, halved, cored, large ribs removed, and chopped into 1-inch pieces (about 12 cups)

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to brown and smell nutty, about 4 minutes. Add the oil and heat for 1 minute. Add the onion and cook until softened and browned, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, garam masala, chile, turmeric, and 1 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the chile softens, about 3 minutes.

Add the cabbage, stir well, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with more salt and garam masala. Serve immediately.

Caramelized Cabbage on Creamy Polenta

A good-quality aged cheese is wonderful in this dish. Taste the cheese before you use it to be sure it isn’t too salty. If you’re doubling the recipe, double the cooking time. You can keep the “pie” hot over simmering water for up to half an hour, but it doesn’t reheat well.

• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 lb. chopped pancetta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small sprig rosemary, chopped
• 2 lb. green, white, or Savoy cabbage, cored and thinly shredded
• 2 tsp. salt; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• About 3 Tbs. dry white wine (or water); more if needed
• A few drops balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup medium-coarse cornmeal, preferably organic stone-ground
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbs. butter
• 2 oz. finely grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano

Prepare the cabbage:

Heat the 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil in a wide, deep saucepan over medium heat. Add the pancetta, garlic, and rosemary and sauté until the pancetta and garlic soften, about 4 minutes. Add the cabbage, 1/2 tsp. of the salt, the pepper, wine, and 1/4 cup water; toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, adding a little more water or white wine whenever the cabbage seems too dry or begins to brown too fast, checking about every 5 minutes (the cabbage should stew slowly and brown lightly). After about 1 hour, uncover and cook, stirring, until the cabbage is meltingly tender, lightly caramelized, medium brown, and somewhat dry to the touch, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar, taste, and adjust seasonings.

Meanwhile, prepare the polenta:

Heat the oven to 350°F. In an oiled 3-qt. nonstick ovenproof skillet, combine the cornmeal, 4 cups water, the 1/2 tsp. olive oil, and the remaining 1-1/2 tsp. salt; stir briefly. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, give the polenta a good stir, and return the pan to the oven to bake another 5 minutes. Stir in the butter and half of the cheese. Pour the polenta into a greased 9-inch heatproof dish, cover evenly with the cabbage, and scatter the remaining cheese on top. Bake until the tips of the cabbage are brown and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve hot.

Corned Beef and Cabbage

In this take on the classic Irish-American boiled dinner, the vegetables are drizzled with garlic butter and broiled for added flavor. Pickling spice is a blend of cardamom, bay leaves, ginger, peppercorns, and other flavorings; look for it in the spice aisle of your grocery store.

• 5 large cloves garlic, smashed
• 4 large sprigs fresh thyme  
• 3 Tbs. pickling spice
• 2 dried bay leaves  
• 1 Tbs. black peppercorns 
• 1 4- to 5-lb. corned beef brisket 
• 4 medium red potatoes (about 1-1/2 lb.), scrubbed and quartered
• 4 large carrots (about 1 lb.), peeled and cut into 2-inch lengths  
• 2 large yellow onions (about 1 lb.), quartered 
• 2 large celery stalks, cut into 2-inch lengths 
• 1 large head green cabbage (about 3 lb.), outer leaves discarded, quartered 
• 3 oz. (6 Tbs.) unsalted butter 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Malt vinegar, for drizzling (optional) 

Cut a 5-inch square of cheese cloth and lay it on a flat work surface. Put 4 of the garlic cloves, the thyme, pickling spice, bay leaves, and peppercorns in the center of the cloth. Tie the opposite corners together, creating a pouch.

Put the brisket and the spice pouch in a 12-quart stock pot and add enough cold water to cover the brisket by 4 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, cover, and cook until the beef is nearly fork-tender, about 3-1/2 hours. 

Add the potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and cabbage. Simmer until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are just tender, about 30 minutes more. With tongs, transfer the meat to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes. 

Using a wire skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a foil-lined baking sheet. Reserve the cooking liquid and discard the spice pouch. 

In a 1-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat and add the remaining garlic clove. Cook until the garlic is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Discard the garlic.

Meanwhile, position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the broiler on high. Drizzle the butter over the vegetables and broil until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. 

Slice the corned beef and arrange on a serving platter, surrounded by the vegetables. Drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the meat and pass the remaining liquid and malt vinegar (if using) on the side. Serve hot.