Lunch: Pulled Corned Beef

Recipe by Kevin Dundon This comforting broth has the flavour of home at Easter for me. You'll need brisket or silverside for this recipe, and the cooking process is long and slow, but it makes the meat tender and juicy.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Pulled Corned Beef

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

1.5kg (3 1/4lb) corned beef silverside (bottom round), cut in half
250ml (1 cup) beer
2 oranges, halved
1 garlic bulb, crushed
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs of thyme
4 tbsp honey
4 tbsp sherry vinegar
1 tsp mustard seeds
3 star anise
2 tsp black peppercorns
500ml (2 cups) water
1 onion, cut into wedges
500g (1lb 2oz) potatoes (or 4 potatoes), quartered
500g (1lb 2oz) baby carrots (or 4 carrots cut into batons about 6cm/2 1/2 inches long)
200g (7oz) baby turnips (or 1/4 large turnip cut into small chunks)
1 small head of cabbage, about 300g (10 1/2oz), cut into wedges

Instructions

Place the beef in a large saucepan with the beer, oranges, garlic, bay leaf, thyme sprigs, honey, vinegar, spices and peppercorns and cover with water. Put a lid on the pan and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 2 1/2 –3 hours, topping up the water during cooking if necessary, until a fork can be easily inserted into the centre of the meat. Carefully remove the beef and put it on a cutting board to rest for about for 10 minutes.
Add the 500ml (2 cups) of water to the pan and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Put in the vegetables and bring back up to the boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for 15 –20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Discard the orange pieces.
Use 2 forks to pull the meat apart. Divide it between bowls and serve with the broth and vegetables.