Salt beef and horseradish mash

Step 1

For the brine, place all of the brine ingredients into a large saucepan and cover with 5 litres/8¾ pints of water. Bring the mixture to the boil and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2

Place the beef into a large non-metallic container and pour over the cooled brine, (ensure the beef is submerged in the brine). Set aside somewhere cool, preferably the fridge, for 3-5 days. After the soaking time in the brine, rinse the beef brisket and soak in cold water for 24 hours.

Step 3

Rinse the beef brisket and place into a large saucepan with the vegetables. Cover the brisket completely with cold water and bring the mixture to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2-2½ hours, or until the beef is very tender. Drain well.

Step 4

Meanwhile for the horseradish mash, boil the potatoes in a large pan of salted water, for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain well. Return the potatoes to the pan and heat over a low heat for 10-15 seconds to drive off any excess moisture.

Step 5

Mash the potatoes until smooth using a potato masher or ricer, then beat in the butter. Stir in the horseradish and chives and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 6

To serve, carve the beef into thick slices and serve with the horseradish mash, vegetables and gherkins.