Jiggs Dinner: A Traditional Newfoundland Feast

Jiggs Dinner: A Traditional Newfoundland Feast



Introduction

When it comes to traditional comfort food, few dishes hold as much cultural weight in Atlantic Canada as Jiggs Dinner. Known as Newfoundland’s national meal, this hearty boiled dinner is more than just food—it’s a family ritual, a Sunday tradition, and a symbol of Newfoundland hospitality. If you’ve ever wondered what Jiggs Dinner is, where it came from, how to cook it, or where you can try the best version, this guide will cover it all.

In this post, we’ll explore the history, recipe, ingredients, cultural meaning, and modern twists of Jiggs Dinner. Whether you’re searching for Jiggs Dinner near me, curious about its origin, or looking for an easy crock pot recipe, you’ll find everything you need right here.

What is Jiggs Dinner?

At its core, Jiggs Dinner is a boiled meal centered around salt beef (corned beef) and an assortment of root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, turnips, and cabbage. It’s traditionally cooked in one large pot, making it a communal dish that fills the home with rich, savory aromas.

The standard Jiggs Dinner consists of:

  • Salt beef (corned beef brisket) – the star of the meal.

  • Cabbage – usually boiled with the beef to soak up the flavor.

  • Potatoes – fluffy and filling.

  • Carrots & turnips (rutabagas) – earthy sweetness.

  • Pease pudding – a savory pudding made by boiling split peas in a cloth bag alongside the meat.

  • Figgy duff (optional) – a sweet steamed pudding made with raisins, flour, and molasses.

The result is a meal that’s both hearty and comforting, reflecting the resourcefulness and traditions of Newfoundland families.

The Origin of Jiggs Dinner

The name “Jiggs Dinner” is said to come from the comic strip character Jiggs, from Bringing Up Father (1913). Jiggs was an Irish immigrant in America who loved eating boiled dinners—much to the annoyance of his wife, Maggie, who wanted to climb the social ladder.

This tied in well with Newfoundland’s Irish heritage. Many Irish immigrants brought with them the tradition of boiled salt meat dinners, and over time, the dish became uniquely Newfoundland. The term “Jiggs Dinner” stuck, and today it’s a beloved staple across the island.

Jiggs Dinner vs. Boiled Dinner

If you’ve heard of a New England boiled dinner, you’ll notice similarities. Both use salt beef and root vegetables, but there are distinct differences:

  • Jiggs Dinner (Newfoundland): Always features pease pudding, often paired with figgy duff, and traditionally uses Newfoundland-style salt beef.

  • New England Boiled Dinner: Typically made with corned beef and cabbage, sometimes served with mustard or horseradish, but without pease pudding.

In short, Jiggs Dinner is Newfoundland’s twist on the boiled dinner tradition.

Ingredients & Preparation

1. Choosing the Meat

The heart of Jiggs Dinner is salt beef (corned beef brisket or rib cut). In Newfoundland, you’ll find “naval” or “rib” cuts sold specifically for Jiggs Dinner.

2. Soaking the Beef

Since salt beef is heavily salted for preservation, it must be soaked in cold water overnight (sometimes even 24 hours) to reduce the saltiness. Some people change the water several times.

3. Cooking Salt Beef

After soaking, the beef is simmered for 2–3 hours until tender. The vegetables and puddings are then added in sequence.

4. Vegetables

  • Potatoes – go in toward the end so they don’t overcook.

  • Carrots & turnips – add body and sweetness.

  • Cabbage – usually boiled last to keep it tender but flavorful.

5. Pease Pudding

Split peas are tied in a cloth bag (or cheesecloth), submerged in the pot, and boiled alongside the meat. They come out creamy and savory, almost like mashed peas.

6. Figgy Duff (optional but traditional)

A dessert-like pudding boiled in the same pot, made with flour, raisins, sugar, and molasses. Served with butter, molasses, or a drizzle of syrup.

Step-by-Step Jiggs Dinner Recipe (Traditional)



Ingredients (Serves 6–8):

  • 3 lbs salt beef (corned beef brisket or rib)

  • 8 medium potatoes, peeled

  • 6 carrots, peeled and cut

  • 1 medium turnip (rutabaga), cubed

  • 1 medium cabbage, quartered

  • 1 cup yellow split peas

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Soak beef overnight in cold water.

  2. Place beef in a large stock pot, cover with fresh water, and bring to a boil. Simmer 2 hours.

  3. Add the pease pudding in its cloth bag. Continue simmering 1.5–2 hours.

  4. Add turnip and carrots, simmer 30 minutes.

  5. Add potatoes and cabbage, simmer another 20–25 minutes.

  6. Remove everything carefully and serve hot.

Serve with mustard pickles, beets, or gravy on the side.

Crock Pot Jiggs Dinner (Easy Recipe)

If you’re short on time, you can make Jiggs Dinner in a slow cooker:

  1. Place soaked salt beef in crock pot.

  2. Add carrots, turnip, and cabbage.

  3. Place potatoes on top.

  4. Add pease pudding bag.

  5. Cover with water and cook on low for 8–10 hours.

This method keeps everything tender and flavorful with minimal effort.

Cultural Importance of Jiggs Dinner

For many Newfoundlanders, Sunday wasn’t Sunday without Jiggs Dinner. Families gathered after church for the big mid-day meal, with enough leftovers for Monday.

It’s also a dish tied to heritage and identity. Whether you grew up in St. John’s, Corner Brook, or Bonavista, chances are Jiggs Dinner is part of your family story.

Even today, many Newfoundland restaurants serve Jiggs Dinner on Sundays. Tourists often seek it out to experience a true taste of Newfoundland tradition.

Where to Find the Best Jiggs Dinner



If you’re not cooking at home, here are some places known for great Jiggs Dinners:

  • St. John’s, Newfoundland – Many local pubs and restaurants offer it on Sundays.

  • Bonavista Peninsula – Coastal towns like Bonavista are famous for hearty, traditional Jiggs Dinners.

  • Corner Brook – Several restaurants keep the tradition alive weekly.

  • Toronto – With its large Newfoundland community, some diners and pubs serve authentic Jiggs Dinner.

If you search “Jiggs Dinner near me” in Newfoundland, you’ll almost always find a Sunday option.

FAQs About Jiggs Dinner

1. What meat is in Jiggs Dinner?

Traditionally, salt beef (corned beef brisket) is used. Some modern versions substitute ham or turkey.

2. What does Jiggs Dinner consist of?

Salt beef, potatoes, carrots, turnip, cabbage, pease pudding, and sometimes figgy duff.

3. How long do you boil salt beef for Jiggs Dinner?

Usually 2–3 hours, until tender.

4. What’s the difference between Jiggs Dinner and boiled dinner?

Boiled dinner (New England) is similar but doesn’t include pease pudding or figgy duff, which are unique to Newfoundland Jiggs Dinner.

5. Can you make Jiggs Dinner in a crock pot?

Yes, it works beautifully in a slow cooker with 8–10 hours of cooking on low.

Modern Variations

While traditionalists prefer the classic recipe, some modern spins include:

  • Turkey Jiggs Dinner – using roasted turkey instead of salt beef.

  • Vegetarian Jiggs Dinner – swapping meat with hearty vegetables and lentils.

  • Jiggs Dinner Pie – leftovers baked in a savory pie with gravy.

Why Jiggs Dinner Still Matters

In today’s fast-paced world, Jiggs Dinner reminds us of community, tradition, and family. It’s not just a meal but a celebration of Newfoundland’s Irish roots and resilience.

From the kitchens of St. John’s to family gatherings in Toronto, Jiggs Dinner continues to be a dish that brings people together.

Conclusion

Jiggs Dinner is more than food—it’s a Newfoundland tradition that carries history, family, and flavor in every bite. Whether you cook it at home, order it at a Newfoundland restaurant, or enjoy it at a family gathering, it’s a meal that connects generations.

So the next time you’re searching for Jiggs Dinner near me, craving an authentic Newfoundland recipe, or just wondering what makes this dish so beloved—you’ll know it’s not just about salt beef and vegetables. It’s about heritage, comfort, and the joy of gathering around the table.

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