Traditional Old-Fashioned Boiled Dinner (Maritime & New England Classic)
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
- 3 1/2 pound corned beef, gammon or salt beef
- 2 leeks, trimmed and cleaned
- 1 carrot
- 2 ribs celery
- a cinnamon stick
- 9 peppercorns
- 6 stalks parsley
- a couple bay leaves
- cold water to cover
- (If doing gammon, you can do half water and half apple juice)
- 1 small rutabaga/swede peeled and cut into thick slices
- 1 small head of white cabbage, trimmed and cut into quarters
- 6 to 8 carrots peeled
- 6 to 8 medium sized potatoes, peeled and halved
- 2 TBS butter
- 2 TBS flour
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
- pinch dry mustard
- freshly grated nutmeg to taste (a pinch)
- salt and white pepper to taste
- several handfuls of fresh parsley, washed, dried and chopped
Meat (Corned Beef, Gammon, or Salt Beef)
This dish is built on salty, slow‑simmered meat, which seasons the entire pot as it cooks. The long simmer makes the meat beautifully tender and infuses the cooking liquor with deep flavour .
You can use corned beef, gammon, salt beef, or even brisket depending on what’s available .
If using gammon, half apple juice and half water adds a gentle sweetness and helps balance the saltiness .
Aromatics (Leek, Carrot, Celery)
These vegetables are added at the start to flavour the broth rather than to be eaten. They’re removed before adding the serving vegetables .
They create a savoury base that supports the meat and the later vegetables.
Spices & Herbs
Cinnamon stick: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the cooking liquor — not sweet, just round and comforting .
Peppercorns: Provide gentle heat without overpowering the dish.
Parsley stalks: Infuse herbal freshness into the broth.
Bay leaves: Classic for long simmers; they add a soft, savoury backbone.
Vegetables (Carrots, Swede/Rutabaga, Cabbage, Potatoes)
These are the vegetables that will be served with the meat. They’re added in stages so everything cooks evenly and stays tender but not mushy .
Cabbage: Cut into wedges with the root intact so it holds together during cooking .
Swede/Rutabaga: Adds earthy sweetness and stands up well to long cooking.
Carrots: Left whole for rustic presentation and even cooking.
Potatoes: Halved so they cook through and absorb the broth’s flavour.
Parsley Sauce
A simple white sauce enriched with butter, milk, mustard, nutmeg, and plenty of parsley. It brings creaminess and brightness to the plate and complements the salty meat beautifully .
White pepper keeps the sauce visually clean and traditionally flavoured.
- Place the meat, leeks, carrot, celery, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, parsley stalks and bay leaf into a large saucepan. Cover with the cold water. Bring to the boil. (Just to the boil, as soon as it reaches boiling turn it down to a simmer.)
- Scoop off any scum which has risen to the top and discard, then reduce to a simmer and partially cover. (I use a metal spoon to skim the top.)
- Simmer slowly for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is very tender. A fork should go through it easily. Remove the meat and set aside to keep warm. (Its important not to have the pot liquor boiling. This may toughen the meat rather than tenderize it.)
- Remove and discard the carrot, leek and celery. (All the flavour will be cooked out of them anyways.)
- Bring the liquid back to the boil, add the cabbage and cook for about 10 minutes, then add the potatoes and swede, cook for about 10 minutes longer, add the carrots and cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes at which time all of the vegetables should be tender. (It is important to add the veggies in stages from the one which will take the longest to cook and ending with the one which will cook the quickest.)
- While your vegetables are cooking make your parsley sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and dry mustard. Cook for about 2 minutes, then whisk in the milk slowly. (I use a small wire whisk.)
- Cook, stirring, until the mixture comes to the boil, then reduce to a slow simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. (It should be smooth and lump free.)
- Season to taste with a grating of nutmeg, salt and white pepper. Stir in the chopped parsley and serve. (Serve the sauce soon after adding the parsley so as to keep the colour bright and the flavour fresh.)
- To serve slice the meat across the grain into thick slices, and place on dinner plates along with some of the vegetables. Pass the parsley sauce at the table.
Traditional Old-Fashioned Boiled Dinner
Simple ingredients done well. A bit old fashioned, but delicious nonetheless. Comfort food, plain and humble. A traditional dinner from the East coast of Canada.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 pound corned beef, gammon or salt beef
- 2 leeks, trimmed and cleaned
- 1 carrot
- 2 ribs celery
- a cinnamon stick
- 9 peppercorns
- 6 stalks parsley
- a couple bay leaves
- cold water to cover
- (If doing gammon, you can do half water and half apple juice)
- 1 small rutabaga/swede peeled and cut into thick slices
- 1 small head of white cabbage, trimmed and cut into quarters
- 6 to 8 carrots peeled
- 6 to 8 medium sized potatoes, peeled and halved
- 2 TBS butter
- 2 TBS flour
- 2 cups (480ml) milk
- pinch dry mustard
- freshly grated nutmeg to taste (a pinch)
- salt and white pepper to taste
- several handfuls of fresh parsley, washed, dried and chopped
Instructions
- Place the meat, leeks, carrot, celery, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, parsley stalks and bay leaf into a large saucepan. Cover with the cold water. Bring to the boil.
- Scoop off any scum which has risen to the top and discard, then reduce to a simmer and partially cover.
- Simmer slowly for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is very tender. A fork should go through it easily. Remove the meat and set aside to keep warm.
- Remove and discard the carrot, leek and celery.
- Bring the liquid back to the boil, add the cabbage and cook for about 10 minutes, then add the potatoes and swede, cook for about 10 minutes longer, add the carrots and cook for a further 5 to 10 minutes at which time all of the vegetables should be tender.
- While your vegetables are cooking make your parsley sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and dry mustard. Cook for about 2 minutes, then whisk in the milk slowly.
- Cook, stirring, until the mixture comes to the boil, then reduce to a slow simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Season to taste with a grating of nutmeg, salt and white pepper. Stir in the chopped parsley and serve.
- To serve slice the meat across the grain into thick slices, and place on dinner plates along with some of the vegetables. Pass the parsley sauce at the table.
Notes
If the cooking liquor is not too salty you can strain it and serve it with the meat and vegetables in shallow bowls.
Did you make this recipe?
This content (written and photography) is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at: mariealicejoan at aol dot com
There is nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of homemade potato soup, especially one rich with cheddar, garlic, and plenty of hearty goodness. This Easy Cheddar & Garlic Potato Soup is the kind of recipe that comes together quickly, uses simple everyday ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the most irresistible, cozy aroma.
Creamy, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, it's perfect for busy weeknights, chilly days, or any time you are craving a warm hug in a bowl. If you love easy comfort food that delivers big flavour with minimal effort, this soup is sure to become a new favourite.
- 1/2 TBS light olive oil
- 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 fat cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp of dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried chives
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- 3 ( 720ml) cups of stock (chicken or vegetable)
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup ( 120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (56g) hand grated strong cheddar cheese
- salt and white pepper to taste
- 2 TBS crispy fried onions
- 2 TBS hand grated strong cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp parsley flakes
- Heat the oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. (Do not allow to brown. Don't be in too much of a rush.)
- Add the garlic and the herbs. Cook for one minute longer until very fragrant. (You don't want to burn the garlic or the herbs as they can turn bitter.)
- Add the potatoes. Stir to coat them in the herby mixture and then add the stock. It should cover the potatoes. If it doesn't you may need to add a bit more until it does. (Making sure they are covered allows for even cooking.)
- Bring to the boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender. (They should break apart easily under the tines of a fork.)
- While the soup is cooking mix the garnish ingredients together in a mall bowl until well combined. (I use a small fork to gently mix them.)
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it is fairly smooth. (You could also do this in a food processor or regular blender. Or, if you want a chunkier soup, simply mash it with a potato masher. I like the herbs, especially the rosemary to be blended.)
- Whisk in the cheese and cream, whisking until the cheese has thoroughly melted and the soup is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. (Do this off the heat. If it cools too much reheat gently over medium low heat without boiling.)
- Ladle into heated bowls. Top each with a portion of the garnish and serve immediately. (The garnish is thoroughly optional, but very nice.)
1. There are a lot of really great ready made stocks available in the shops these days, but often they can be high in salt. I always try to make my own stock when I have bones left from a roast or ham or chicken.
- Just pop the bones into a saucepan (you can roast them first to brown them off in a hot oven. This will greatly amplify their flavor. 450*F/230*C until they are crisp and golden brown). Add an onion, peeled, several stalks of celery, a large carrot peeled, some pepper corns and salt. You can also add some fresh herbs if you have them like parsley and thyme. Bring to the boil.
- Skim off any foam and discard. Simmer over low heat for an hour or so. Obviously the longer you simmer it the more flavor filled it will be. Strain through a sieve and then pack into one or two cup containers to use when needed. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for when you only need a spoonful or two.

Easy Cheddar & Garlic Potato Soup
Simple, rich, hearty and delicious. A real belly warmer on a cool day. This is a small batch recipe that can easily be doubled.
Ingredients
- 1/2 TBS light olive oil
- 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 fat cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp of dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried chives
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- pinch of red pepper flakes
- 3 ( 720ml) cups of stock (chicken or vegetable)
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup ( 120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (56g) hand grated strong cheddar cheese
- salt and white pepper to taste
- 2 TBS crispy fried onions
- 2 TBS hand grated strong cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp parsley flakes
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and the herbs. Cook for one minute longer until very fragrant.
- Add the potatoes. Stir to coat them in the herby mixture and then add the stock. It should cover the potatoes. If it doesn't you may need to add a bit more until it does.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender.
- While the soup is cooking mix the garnish ingredients together in a mall bowl until well combined.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it is fairly smooth.
- Whisk in the cheese and cream, whisking until the cheese has thoroughly melted and the soup is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into heated bowls. Top each with a portion of the garnish and serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe?
This content (written and photography) is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at: mariealicejoan at aol dot com









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