Ingredients
Method
1.In a large, deep-sided saucepan cover the meat with cold water, adding the bay leaf, sugar and peppercorns. Bring to the boil then simmer for 1 hour and 10 minutes, skimming the surface of the broth if scum appears. Add the potatoes, and simmer for a further 20 minutes, or until the meat is tender. Lift the meat and set it to rest for 15 minutes.
2.In the same water as the potatoes, add the carrots and cook for 10 minutes. Then add the cabbage and cook for a further 5 minutes or until tender, but not soggy. Drain the vegetables and serve with the sliced corned beef, topped with hot white onion sauce. The vegetables should be dabbed with butter and seasoned to taste.
White onion sauce
3.For the white sauce, half fill a small saucepan with water and add the chopped until. Boil until translucent and tender (but not mushy). Drain the onions into a separate bowl, and keep the liquid.
4.Melt the butter in the saucepan, and then stir in the flour until combined and cook, stirring, for two minutes. This helps to prevent a floury taste. Add the milk slowly, stirring with a wooden spoon, to make a smooth, lump-free sauce.
5.Return the onions to the sauce and cook for a few more minutes, thinning with some of the reserved water from boiling the onions, if the sauce gets thick. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately over sliced corned beef and vegetables.
