St. Patrick’s Day is about a week away and for many, myself included, a time to celebrate our Irish heritage. Whether it’s the community parade, the dying of the Chicago River, or just wearing green, everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s day.
Personally, I like my family tradition of corned beef and cabbage for dinner alongside a pint of Guinness. However, the centerpiece is notoriously salty. Here are some ways to reduce salt or prepare a low sodium meal fit for any Irish family’s table.
Skip the Salt for the Sides
Corned beef is by its nature loaded with sodium. Keeping this in mind helps us reduce salt with the sides.
I like to cook my corned beef in an instant pot, or slow cooker if I have the day at home. This helps render out some of the salt. Stick with a standard four ounce serving and let the beef be the salt vehicle for the rest of the meal.
While I cook the cabbage, carrots and potatoes in the same instant pot, consider steaming or swapping fresh water with the spice packet to reduce the amount of salt transfer.
Maybe Stew on It
Much like soups, an Irish Stew is a heart warming dish that packs tons of flavor.
Recipes abound across the internet and family kitchens. Stick with some classic #saltswaps to put you in control of the amount of sodium:
- Use unsalted beef stock or bouillon packets to provide the greatest flexibility.
- Unsalted butter is also a great start when browning meat or sauteeing vegetables.
- Reduced sodium Worcestershire sauce instead of full salt brings the flavor without all the salt.
- Consider starting with about half (or less) of the salt in a recipe and adjust from there. Seasoning to your taste versus the author’s is best.
Get Chippy
While not exactly a classic for St. Patrick’s Day, the famous British dish of Fish and Chips with classic mashed peas is an easy beef/meat alternative.
Traditionally both are fried, but you can easily bake or broil the fish with simple seasoning instead of breaded. And we’ve already chatted about French Fries.
How do you like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? What’s your favorite Irish dish or meal?
#StaySalty
Thank you so much! #staysalty