Jiggs Dinner

Jiggs Dinner Recipe: A Traditional Canadian Delight

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 8 hours | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Jiggs Dinner, also known as a traditional Newfoundland meal, is a hearty and comforting dish that consists of spareribs, split peas, potatoes, carrots, turnip, cabbage, and peas pudding. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Jiggs Dinner is a traditional meal that originated in Newfoundland, Canada. It is said to have been brought to the region by Irish immigrants in the 18th century. The dish is named after a popular comic strip character named Jiggs, who was known for his love of hearty meals.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of corned beef (salt beef) or salt spareribs
1 cup of yellow split peas
6 – 8 medium potatoes
6 carrots
1 medium turnip, peeled and cut into chunks
1 medium cabbage, cut into wedges
2 tbsp of butter
pepper to taste

How to prepare

Soak the meat in cold water overnight for 6-8 hours.
Drain the meat and place it in a large pot.
Tie the peas in a cloth bag, leaving room for expansion, and put the bag in the pot with the beef.
Cover the beef and peas with water.
Heat the mixture to boiling; cover and simmer for 2 hours.
Prepare the vegetables.
Small carrots and potatoes may be left whole, while larger ones should be cut in half.
Slice the turnip and cut the cabbage into wedges.
After the meat and peas have cooked for 2 hours, add the vegetables and cook until tender, adding the cabbage last.
Remove the peas from the bag, place them in a bowl, and mash them with butter and pepper to form peas pudding.
Remove the meat and cut it into serving-size pieces.
Arrange the meat and vegetables on a platter.
Serve the peas pudding in a separate bowl.

Variations

Substitute pork shoulder or beef brisket for spareribs.
Add onions, garlic, or herbs for extra flavor.
Use sweet potatoes or parsnips instead of regular potatoes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the meat overnight helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.

- Tying the split peas in a cloth bag prevents them from breaking apart during cooking.

- Adding the vegetables in stages ensures that they are all cooked to perfection.

- Serving the peas pudding on the side allows for easy customization of each serving.

Serving Suggestions

Jiggs Dinner is traditionally served with a side of pickles or chow chow and a slice of bread or biscuit. It pairs well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the meat and split peas together infuses the dish with rich flavor.

- Adding the vegetables in stages ensures that they are all cooked evenly.

- Mash the peas pudding with butter and pepper for a creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.

- Swap out the spareribs for chicken thighs for a lighter option.

- Replace the split peas with lentils for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Jiggs Dinner can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the meat and vegetables on a large platter for a rustic and inviting presentation. Serve the peas pudding in a separate bowl for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Jiggs Dinner pairs well with a side of pickles or chow chow, a slice of bread or biscuit, and a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea. For dessert, consider serving a traditional Newfoundland sweet treat like blueberry grunt or figgy duff.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Jiggs Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content of Jiggs Dinner can vary depending on portion size and ingredients used. On average, a serving of Jiggs Dinner contains around 500-600 calories.

Carbohydrates

Jiggs Dinner is a carbohydrate-rich meal due to the presence of split peas, potatoes, carrots, turnip, and cabbage. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

The butter used in this recipe adds a small amount of fat to the dish. Fat is an important nutrient that provides energy and helps the body absorb vitamins.

Proteins

Spareribs are a good source of protein in this recipe. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Jiggs Dinner is packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used in the recipe. Potatoes provide potassium, carrots offer vitamin A, turnip contains vitamin C, and cabbage is rich in vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains butter, which is a dairy product. Individuals with dairy allergies should use a dairy-free alternative.

Summary

Jiggs Dinner is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family meal.

Summary

Jiggs Dinner is a classic Newfoundland meal that is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, and it is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich flavors and wholesome ingredients of this traditional recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Jiggs Dinner. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was helping my mother clean out the attic of our old family home. As we sorted through the boxes of dusty old books and knick-knacks, we stumbled upon a worn, tattered recipe book that had once belonged to my great-grandmother.

Curious, I flipped through the pages, marveling at the handwritten notes and faded newspaper clippings that adorned its yellowed pages. And then, there it was - a recipe for Jiggs Dinner, written in my great-grandmother's elegant script.

I had heard of Jiggs Dinner before, of course. It was a traditional Newfoundland meal, consisting of salt beef, cabbage, turnips, carrots, potatoes, and dumplings, all boiled together in a pot until they were tender and delicious. But I had never actually made it myself, and the recipe in my great-grandmother's book seemed like the perfect opportunity to try my hand at this classic dish.

Excited, I carefully transcribed the recipe into my own notebook, making sure to capture every detail and nuance of my great-grandmother's instructions. And then, with a sense of anticipation, I set out to gather the ingredients and prepare the meal.

The first step was to soak the salt beef overnight to remove some of the excess salt. I remember the pungent aroma that filled the kitchen as the beef soaked in a large pot of water on the countertop. The next day, I rinsed the beef thoroughly and placed it back in the pot, covering it with fresh water and bringing it to a simmer.

As the beef cooked, I chopped the vegetables - cabbage, turnips, carrots, and potatoes - into large chunks and added them to the pot. I watched with satisfaction as the colors and textures mingled together, creating a beautiful and hearty stew.

And then came the dumplings. I mixed flour, baking powder, salt, and butter together, adding just enough milk to form a soft dough. I shaped the dough into small balls and dropped them into the simmering stew, where they puffed up and floated on the surface like little clouds.

As the Jiggs Dinner bubbled away on the stove, filling the house with its savory aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and connection to my great-grandmother. I imagined her standing in her own kitchen many years ago, preparing this same meal for her family with love and care.

When the Jiggs Dinner was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it piping hot at the dinner table. My family gathered around, eager to taste the fruits of my labor. And as they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight and satisfaction.

"This is delicious!" my husband exclaimed, taking a second helping.

"I feel like I'm back in Newfoundland," my mother added, a nostalgic smile on her face.

And as we sat together, enjoying our Jiggs Dinner and sharing stories of the past, I knew that this recipe was more than just a meal. It was a connection to my family's history, a link to my great-grandmother and all the generations of strong, resilient women who had come before me.

And so, as I savored the last spoonful of stew and wiped my mouth with a napkin, I made a promise to myself to keep this recipe alive, to pass it down to future generations, and to always remember the sense of wonder and joy that I felt when I first discovered it in my great-grandmother's old recipe book.