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Traditional Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner

200 min 6 servings Medium
Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner is a classic Maritime dish, traditionally served as a Sunday meal. It's a comforting combination of salt-cured beef, root vegetables, and pease pudding. This recipe pays homage to this beloved tradition by staying true to its Newfoundland roots while ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or a taste of home, this Jiggs Dinner brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Instructions

1

Prepare the salt beef

Rinse the salt beef under cold running water to remove excess salt. Place it in a large pot and cover with water.

Pro tip: Changing the soaking water once or twice will further reduce saltiness.

2

Start cooking the beef

Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 1.5 hours, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.

3

Cook the peas

Place split peas in a cloth bag, tie securely, and add to the pot with the beef. Ensure the bag is submerged.

Pro tip: If you don’t have a cloth bag, use a piece of cheesecloth.

4

Add root vegetables

After 1.5 hours, add the potatoes, carrots, turnips, and cabbage to the pot. Cover and continue to simmer for another 1.5 hours.

Pro tip: Check water level and add more if necessary to keep ingredients covered.

5

Check for doneness

Ensure all vegetables are tender by piercing them with a fork. If necessary, continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes.

6

Serve

Remove the beef, vegetables, and peas from the pot. Slice the beef and serve alongside the vegetables and pease pudding.

Pro tip: For extra flavour, drizzle a bit of the cooking broth over the dish.

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Tips & Tricks

  • Soak the salt beef overnight to draw out excess salt and enhance flavour.
  • Cut vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Use a large pot to ensure all ingredients fit comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner?

A Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner is a traditional meal consisting of salt beef, root vegetables, and pease pudding.

How long does it take to cook Jiggs Dinner?

The total cooking time for a Jiggs Dinner is approximately 3 hours.

Can I make Jiggs Dinner ahead of time?

Yes, Jiggs Dinner can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

What can I serve with Jiggs Dinner?

Jiggs Dinner is often served with mustard pickles or pickled beets for a tangy contrast.

How many calories are in a serving of Jiggs Dinner?

A serving of Jiggs Dinner contains about 480 calories.

Can I use fresh beef instead of salt beef?

Salt beef is essential for the authentic taste, but fresh beef can be used with additional seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Jiggs Dinner with mustard pickles or pickled beets to complement the savoury flavours. Pair it with a slice of homemade bread for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition per serving

480

Calories

45g

Protein

10g

Fat

50g

Carbs