Traditional Canadian Jiggs Dinner

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) salted beef or pork 2 pounds (900g) salted beef or pork
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and halved 4 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks 2 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
• 2 turnips, peeled and cut into chunks 2 turnips, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup (200g) yellow split peas 1 cup (200g) yellow split peas
• 1 onion, peeled and quartered 1 onion, peeled and quartered
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, add the salted beef or pork and cover with water. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 1 hour.
2. 2.
   Add the yellow split peas to the pot and continue simmering for another 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Add the potatoes, carrots, turnips, and onion to the pot. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. 4.
   Finally, add the cabbage to the pot and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove the meat from the pot and slice it into serving portions.
7. 7.
   Serve the Jiggs Dinner hot, placing the meat on a platter surrounded by the boiled vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Salted beef or pork — Soak the meat in cold water overnight to remove excess saltiness before cooking.
• Yellow split peas — Rinse the split peas thoroughly before adding them to the pot to remove any impurities.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can include a bay leaf or a few whole peppercorns while simmering the meat.
• Serve with a dollop of mustard or pickles for a tangy kick.
• Leftovers can be used to make delicious sandwiches the next day.
• Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the meat to ensure it is tender and fully cooked.
• Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips or rutabagas for variation.

Serving advice

Serve the Jiggs Dinner family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves to the meat and vegetables. Accompany it with a side of mustard or pickles for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced meat in the center of a large platter and surround it with the colorful boiled vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green.