Hearty Southern Brunswick Stew
This Hearty Southern Brunswick Stew is a beloved classic that has been warming hearts and homes for generations. Boasting a rich, smoky flavor from the smoked meats and a delightful medley of vegetables, this stew perfectly captures the essence of comfort food. Though the ingredient list might seem extensive, each component contributes to the depth of flavor that makes this dish truly exceptional. The stew is chunky with a variety of textures, but if you prefer a smoother consistency, feel free to puree it with an immersion blender. Adding a splash of vinegar-based barbecue sauce can elevate the taste even further, making it a family favorite for gatherings. This recipe yields a generous amount, perfect for a crowd or for meal prepping; consider halving it if you're cooking for a smaller group.
10
Servings
350
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (divided)
Ketchup
1 3/4 cups (none)
Mustard
1/4 cup (none)
Heinz 57 steak sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
Vinegar
1/4 cup (white or cider)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Bacon drippings
4 tablespoons (none)
Poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (none)
Worcestershire sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon (none)
Brown sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Diced potatoes
3 cups (none)
Chopped onion
1 cup (none)
Chicken broth
2 (14 ounce) cans (none)
Smoked chicken breasts
2 (cooked and shredded)
Smoked pork
1 lb (cooked and shredded)
Creamed corn
1 (8 ounce) can (none)
Stewed tomatoes
2 (8 ounce) cans (none)
Frozen peas
1 cup (optional)
Lima beans
1 (8 ounce) can (drained, optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the ketchup, mustard, Heinz 57 steak sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, pepper, oregano, bacon drippings, poultry seasoning, red pepper flakes, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally; do not let it boil.
2
In a large pot, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, chicken broth, and smoked chicken and pork. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3
Once the potatoes are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the stewed tomatoes, creamed corn, frozen peas, and lima beans (if using).
4
Carefully incorporate the simmered sauce mixture into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients and allow the stew to simmer slowly over low heat for 2 hours, stirring often to prevent sticking on the bottom.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
25g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Southern Brunswick Stew?
It is a classic Southern comfort food featuring smoked meats and a medley of vegetables in a rich, smoky sauce.
What meats are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for shredded smoked chicken breasts and shredded smoked pork.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The stew should simmer slowly over low heat for 2 hours once all ingredients are combined.
Is the texture of the stew chunky or smooth?
The stew is naturally chunky, but you can use an immersion blender to puree it if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Which vegetables are included in the recipe?
The stew includes diced potatoes, chopped onion, creamed corn, stewed tomatoes, frozen peas, and lima beans.
Are the lima beans and frozen peas mandatory?
No, both the frozen peas and the lima beans are listed as optional ingredients.
What type of vinegar should I use?
The recipe recommends using either white or cider vinegar.
What ingredients provide the smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from the smoked chicken, smoked pork, bacon drippings, and liquid smoke.
Can I add extra flavor to the stew?
Yes, adding a splash of vinegar-based barbecue sauce can elevate the taste further.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of butter in total, divided into two 1/4 cup portions.
What specific steak sauce is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for Heinz 57 steak sauce.
Are bacon drippings necessary?
The recipe includes 4 tablespoons of bacon drippings to enhance the depth of flavor.
How should the smoked meat be prepared?
The smoked chicken and pork should be cooked and shredded before being added to the pot.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it yields a generous amount and is perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Can I scale this recipe down?
Yes, you can consider halving the recipe if you are cooking for a smaller group.
What purpose does brown sugar serve in the recipe?
A small amount of brown sugar is used to balance the savory and acidic flavors of the sauce.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Does the recipe contain lemon juice?
Yes, it uses 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice.
What spices and seasonings are used?
Seasonings include mustard, pepper, oregano, poultry seasoning, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco.
Should I boil the sauce mixture?
No, you should simmer the sauce for 10 minutes but do not let it reach a boil.
What liquid is used to cook the potatoes?
Two 14-ounce cans of chicken broth are used as the base for cooking the potatoes and meats.
How much ketchup is in the stew?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of ketchup.
How do I prevent the stew from sticking?
You should stir the stew often while it simmers for 2 hours to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Is there a suggested serving size?
While a specific serving size is not provided, the recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.