British Corned Beef Hash

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 35 mins

Total: 45 mins

Servings: 4 servings

When you need a nourishing and comforting dish, little comes as close as a traditional British corned beef hash. This recipe is so simple to make and packs major flavor. It makes for a lovely lunch or a hearty supper dish. And, if you happen to have any leftovers (unlikely), it tastes even better the next day.

Unlike in the States, corned beef in the U.K. is more often canned, which is considered the British way. This is not to say that homemade corned beef would not work wonderfully in this recipe; it absolutely will. If you do decide you are going to use the canned variety, buy the best quality option. It is well worth it in the long run, as the results will be so much better in both flavor and texture. 

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter

• 2 large yellow onions, finely sliced

• 16 ounces (450 grams) potatoes, unpeeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 3 cups (700 milliliters) hot beef stock

• 14 ounces (400 grams) corned beef, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard

• 4 tablespoons garden peas, frozen

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 4 large free-range eggs

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients.

   

2. Heat the butter in a large skillet or frying pan; it should be hot but not burning. Add the finely sliced onions and cook until they are soft and just about to turn brown.

   

3. Add the potatoes to the pan with the onions and toss thoroughly. If there isn't enough butter to coat them, add a little more. Cook gently for 5 minutes, tossing from time to time.

   

4. Add the beef stock, bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat and cook for a further 3 minutes.

   

5. Add the corned beef cubes, the Worcestershire sauce, and mustard and cook for 20 minutes, stirring with a spoon from time to time. From now on, take care not to over-stir the hash or both the corned beef and potatoes will break up. Try to keep them as intact as possible during the cooking. 

   

6. Keep the hash over low heat as you incorporate the frozen peas.

   

7. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan until hot, but not smoking. Crack two eggs into the pan and cook gently for three minutes, carefully basting them with the hot oil. Be careful not to overcook: you want the egg white to be firm but the yolk soft. Slide onto a warm plate and repeat with the two remaining eggs.

   

8. Divide the hash between four hot plates and top with a fried egg. Serve immediately with a dollop of HP sauce or steak sauce on the side.

   

Raw Egg Warning

Consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs poses a risk of food-borne illness.

How to Store

• Any leftovers (without eggs on top), put in an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to three days.