Heritage Hopkins County Chicken Stew
This delightful Heritage Hopkins County Chicken Stew is a cherished recipe that has been warming hearts and bellies for over a century. Rooted in the traditions of outdoor gatherings and family feasts, this stew invites you to experience the essence of comfort food steeped in history. Originating from a 1972 cookbook by Canyon High School Band Parents, this recipe encapsulates the spirit of community, with hearty ingredients that come together to create a nourishing dish. Perfect for gatherings, this stew is as enjoyable in a backyard cookout as it is on a cozy dining table, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
210
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Stewing chicken
4-5 lbs (cut up)
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons
Green pepper
1 (chopped)
Canned tomatoes
3 lbs
Potatoes
3 lbs (peeled and sliced)
Paprika
1/4 teaspoon
Okra
(to taste)
Salt
1 tablespoon
Bacon
4-5 slices (diced)
Onions
6-7 medium (chopped)
Celery
(to taste, chopped)
Whole kernel corn
24 ounces
Water
1 1/2 cups
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Curry powder
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by frying the diced bacon in a large kettle over medium heat until it is crispy.
2
Once the bacon is crispy, add the butter or margarine and let it melt.
3
Add the cut-up stewing chicken to the kettle and sauté until the chicken is browned on all sides.
4
Next, incorporate the chopped green pepper and onions, stirring them into the mix for a few minutes until softened.
5
Pour in the canned tomatoes, followed by the sliced potatoes, okra, whole kernel corn, water, salt, paprika, pepper, and curry powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6
Increase the heat to bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
After one hour of cooking, remove the chicken from the kettle, bone it, and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the diced chicken back to the kettle.
8
Continue simmering until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
9
Serve hot, with crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
22g
Carbs
15g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heritage Hopkins County Chicken Stew?
Heritage Hopkins County Chicken Stew is a traditional comfort food dish with over a century of history, known for its hearty ingredients and community roots.
Where does this specific version of the recipe come from?
This recipe originated from a 1972 cookbook published by the Canyon High School Band Parents.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
The stew should simmer for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 pounds of stewing chicken, cut into pieces.
When do I remove the bones from the chicken?
After simmering for one hour, remove the chicken from the kettle, bone it, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and return the meat to the pot.
What is the first step in making this stew?
The process begins by frying 4 to 5 slices of diced bacon in a large kettle until crispy.
What role does bacon play in the recipe?
Bacon provides a savory base of fat and flavor for browning the chicken and vegetables.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for 2 tablespoons of either butter or margarine.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 6 to 7 medium-sized onions, chopped.
What vegetables are included in the stew?
The stew includes green pepper, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, okra, corn, and optionally celery.
How much corn should I add?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of whole kernel corn.
Is there okra in Hopkins County Chicken Stew?
Yes, okra is added to taste to provide texture and flavor.
What spices are used to season the stew?
The seasonings include 1 tablespoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of curry powder.
Why is curry powder included in this recipe?
A small amount of curry powder (1/4 teaspoon) is used to add a subtle depth of flavor to the chicken and broth.
How much water is added to the mixture?
You should add 1 1/2 cups of water.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this stew?
One serving contains 9 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does the recipe provide fiber?
Yes, there are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Three pounds of potatoes should be peeled and sliced before being added to the kettle.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifies 3 pounds of canned tomatoes.
Can I add celery to the stew?
Yes, chopped celery can be added to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking?
Yes, it is traditionally associated with outdoor gatherings and backyard cookouts.
What should I serve with the stew?
It is recommended to serve the stew hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.
How do I prevent the stew from sticking to the kettle?
You should stir the stew occasionally during its 4-hour simmer.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt.
What is the preparation for the green pepper?
One green pepper should be chopped and sautéed with the onions.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a complete one-dish meal due to its variety of proteins and vegetables.
What makes this dish a 'heritage' recipe?
Its century-old roots and its connection to community-based traditions and historical cookbooks define it as a heritage recipe.