Barbadian Christmas Jug-Jug

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) cornmeal 1 cup (200g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (200g) pigeon peas 1 cup (200g) pigeon peas
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (100g) salted beef, diced 1/2 cup (100g) salted beef, diced
• 1/2 cup (100g) ham, diced 1/2 cup (100g) ham, diced
• 1/2 cup (100g) chicken, cooked and shredded 1/2 cup (100g) chicken, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs thyme 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced salted beef, ham, and shredded chicken. Cook until lightly browned.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaves to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the cornmeal to the pot and stir well to coat it with the meat and onion mixture.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Add the pigeon peas, black pepper, paprika, allspice, nutmeg, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cornmeal is cooked and the mixture has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. 7.
   Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.
8. 8.
   Serve the Barbadian Christmas Jug-Jug hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pigeon peas — If using dried pigeon peas, soak them overnight before cooking to reduce the cooking time.
• Salted beef — Rinse the salted beef before using to remove excess saltiness.
• Cornmeal — Use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Adjust the consistency of the dish by adding more broth if desired.
• Serve with a side of pickled onions or coleslaw for added freshness.

Serving advice

Barbadian Christmas Jug-Jug is traditionally served as a main course. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a side of pickled onions or coleslaw. Serve it hot to fully appreciate the flavors and aromas of this festive dish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Barbadian Christmas Jug-Jug, garnish it with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme. You can also serve it in individual bowls or on a large platter, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through.