I used to think I lived in the Northeast, but after this week I’m starting to think I might actually live at the North Pole! The kind of bone-shaking cold we’ve been having definitely calls for a hearty meat-and-potatoes type of dish.


I’m not a huge fan of stovetop stews and slow-cooked dishes, so I was looking for a slight twist on the typical winter fare. Corned beef roll-ups seemed like the perfect alternative. It has the meat and potatoes, and even some sweet potato for an extra infusion of flavor.


Although it has several steps, this recipe is actually fairly quick and simple to put together. You’ll need to prepare some mashed potato and mashed sweet potato fillings. Adding enough salt is crucial to this dish, and the glaze adds an important element too.


If you’re already thinking ahead to Purim, consider adding these roll-ups to your menu. You can prepare them in the morning, or even the night before, and refrigerate until right before the meal. Bake immediately before, and serve plated—garnish it correctly and it can have a strong visual appeal.


Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of corned beef
  • 2 Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 tbsp. apricot jam/jelly/preserves
  • 2 tbsp. soy sauce
  • ⅛ tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 egg
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Scallions (optional)

Directions:

  1. Sauté diced onion in olive oil and a dash of salt.
  2. Chop, boil, drain and mash potatoes.
  3. Chop, boil, drain and mash sweet potatoes.
  4. Add half the fried onion to the potatoes. Add the other half to the sweet potato. Season both with salt to taste.
  5. Beat the egg with a fork, pour half into each mixture, and mash well.
  6. Lay out two pieces of corned beef, slightly overlapping.
  7. Spoon potato mixture into a narrow vertical column. Do the same with the sweet potato mixture.
  8. Roll up the corned beef and place on a baking sheet, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining corned beef.
  9. Mix the soy sauce, garlic and apricot jelly until smooth. Brush over corned beef roll and bake at 350° F for 15–20 minutes. Serve warm.
  10. Garnish with fresh scallions (optional).

Of course, you can serve the roll-ups with whatever appeals to you, but if you’re looking for suggestions, consider a simple zucchini soup, fresh green salad and grilled corn on the cob.