Mouthwatering Brunswick Stew Recipe for Your Next Gathering

As a Southern chef, I know the importance of a good and hearty Brunswick Stew. This Southern-style stew is one of my favorite recipes to make in the crock pot. This recipe has become a staple for people who love this hearty slow cooker dish just like I do.

Whether you’re hosting a back porch barbecue with your friends and family or just looking to warm up on chilly nights, Brunswick stew is the perfect dish that people turn to for not only its simplicity but also its deliciousness!

In this article, I will share my crock-pot recipe for Southern-style Brunswick Stew. The easy brunswick stew is made up of tender boneless skinless chicken and pulled pork, and has diced carrots, celery, and potatoes that are complemented by the flavors of lima beans and succotash.

So whether you’re from Georgia, North Carolina or Virginia – this traditional recipe always hits home! With these ingredients and cooking methods, you can have your own hearty cup of homemade Brunswick stew ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Picture yourself sitting down to a warm, hearty bowl of Southern-style Brunswick stew. You take one spoonful and are hit with the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. As you continue eating, you discover tender chunks of chicken and pork, delicious bites of vegetables – carrots, celery, onions – and a slightly spicy kick that lingers on your taste buds.

That’s what you can expect from my slow cooker Brunswick stew recipe.

Now, let me tell you why this dish will become a staple in your recipe book.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just the right combination of fresh and frozen ingredients, all you have to do is throw them into your crockpot and let it work its magic.

But don’t let the simplicity fool you – this stew is bursting with flavor. The chicken broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, clove, pepper, rosemary, salt, and sugar come together to form a rich and tasty tomato base that serves as the foundation for the entire dish.

The addition of okra, corn, lima beans, potatoes, and diced hash brown potatoes add texture and depth to the stew. And let’s not forget about the meat. By combining both pulled pork and boneless skinless chicken in one pot, you get a protein-packed meal that’s both filling and delicious.

One thing I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out certain ingredients or adjust their amounts based on personal preference. Want more heat? Add in some extra pepper or hot sauce. Prefer beef over chicken? Swap out the protein for a cozy beef stew.

Finally, this Southern-style Brunswick stew recipe serves as an excellent comfort food option for family gatherings or cold winter nights. It’s sure to keep everyone feeling cozy and satisfied long after they’ve cleaned their bowls.

So there you have it – an easy-to-make yet deliciously complex stew that’s adaptable to your preferences, perfect for any occasion, and sure to leave you feeling satisfied.

Ingredient List

Here’s what you’ll need to make a hearty Southern-style Brunswick Stew:

Stew Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chopped
• 1 lb pulled pork
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 tsp rosemary, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables:

• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced into small pieces
• 1 cup frozen lima beans
• 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
• 10 oz package of frozen okra

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp barbecue sauce
• 1 x 14.5 oz can of tomato base

These stew ingredients are slow-cooked to perfection with hearty vegetables that provide both flavor and nutrition. You’ll notice that we’ve bolded the sugar, barbecue sauce and the tomato base. These special Brunswick stew ingredients give our unique recipe that classic Southern-style taste that everyone loves.

The Recipe How-To

Now that you’ve got all of your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook up some Southern-style Brunswick stew! This slow cooker recipe is easy to follow and takes minimal effort. Just toss the ingredients in the pot and let it cook on low for 5 hours. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prep the Meat

The meat used in this recipe is what gives Brunswick stew its signature flavor. I like to use a combination of pulled pork and boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chop 1 pound of the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then combine with 1 cup of BBQ pulled pork in your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Next, add in your diced onion, chopped celery, and diced carrot. For a true Southern flavor, be sure to use fresh okra if possible. If fresh isn’t available, frozen okra is a suitable alternative. Toss in 2 cups of fresh or 1 cup of frozen okra.

Step 3: Add Additional Ingredients and Spice Blend

Now it’s time to really bring out the flavors in the stew. Pour in one can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 3 cups chicken broth; 4 cups water; 8 small potatoes, peeled and chopped; 2 teaspoons salt;½ teaspoon pepper;1 bay leaf;1/4 teaspoon clove; 1/8 teaspoon rosemary and finally add spice blend.
Spice Blend: In small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powdersalt, black pepper and cayenne pepper.

Step 4: Cook

Cook on low for about 5 hours. During the last hour, add in your frozen lima beans (1 cup), corn (1 cup), and remaining vegetables (diced hash brown potatoes – 1 package of 10 ounces).

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the stew has cooked for 5 hours, remove the bay leaf and serve hot with your choice of bread, crackers, or cornbread. You can also top it off with a dollop of sour cream, cheese, or hot sauce for some added flavor.

The result should be a hearty slow-cooker Brunswick stew that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

You can always customize any recipe to suit your taste buds. Brunswick stew is a versatile dish, and you can substitute or add various ingredients to create a richer flavor. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

– Meat: The traditional recipe uses pulled pork and chicken, but you can use beef, lamb, or even turkey. For a vegan version of the stew, omit the meat.

– Vegetables: You can include any vegetables you like in the stew, such as sweet potatoes, squash, zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. You can also replace frozen okra with fresh okra or canned okra.

– Spices: If you prefer more spice in your stew, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the recipe.

– Sauce: Some regions prepare the stew with barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce for an extra smoky flavor. You can experiment with different types of BBQ sauce for a unique twist on this classic dish.

– Broth: Chicken broth is typically used in this recipe, but you can substitute it with vegetable broth or beef broth based on your preferences.

– Corn: Use fresh corn if it’s in season to provide a lighter texture and freshness to the stew. But if fresh corn is not available, canned (drained), frozen whole kernel corn, or creamed corn are good alternatives.

Remember that substitutions may impact the taste of your Brunswick stew recipe. Do not hesitate to test different options until you find your perfect variation.

Serving and Pairing

When it comes to Southern-style cuisine, Brunswick stew is a staple dish that is hearty, warming, and perfect for colder evenings. Once you have mastered the art of creating this delicious slow-cooker brunswick stew recipe, it is time to think about what sides to serve alongside your stew.

When considering what dishes to pair with your Brunswick stew, think of foods that have a complementary flavor profile that can help bring out the best in your dish. Southern-style cornbread is a popular choice that not only adds an additional level of comfort and warmth but also provides a satisfying texture contrast to the softness of the stew. Lightly-salted crackers or lightly-charred toast points also make for excellent pairings that can elevate your meal even further.

In terms of vegetables, pairing your brunswick stew with buttered green beans is always a delicious and healthy option. Turnip greens, kale or collard greens all nicely contrast the sweetness of the stew while providing an extra nutritional boost. Roasted carrots or baked sweet potatoes are also great accompaniments as they add earthy flavors and provide another textural crunch for contrast.

If you’re partial to a bit of spice, adding hot sauce or chopped jalapeños into your stews can give your dish an enjoyable kick. To cool down the spice levels, try serving sour cream or grated cheddar cheese on top.

A refreshing drink makes fantastic accompaniments too! Consider beverages such as sweet tea or lemonade, which are both classic Southern staples that work brilliantly with Brunswick stew.

In conclusion, Brunswick stew is one of those dishes that go well with almost anything. Some cornbread on the side is ideal for killing off all the thick soups and broths. Pair this hearty slow cooker brunswick stew recipe with some delicious sides and drinks for an authentic Southern dining experience you’ll never forget!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

When it comes to make-ahead meals, Brunswick stew is the perfect choice. This hearty slow cooker meal can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

To store Brunswick stew, let it cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, simply take it out of the refrigerator and heat in a saucepan over medium heat. You may need to add a little bit of water, chicken broth or tomato juice to thin it out if it has thickened in the fridge.

If you have frozen your Brunswick stew, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Simply heat the stew up in a saucepan over medium heat until hot.

It’s essential that you reheat your Brunswick stew properly. Make sure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria or pathogens that may have grown during storage, especially if you’re reheating after several days in the fridge.

With this method, you can make a large batch of Brunswick stew ahead of time and be able to enjoy hearty Southern style cuisine for days to come without worrying about cooking every day or wasting leftovers. Delicious and practical!

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that you know all the ingredients and steps to make a perfect Southern Style Brunswick Stew, I will give you some tips on how to ensure that it turns out delicious every time you make it.

– Chopping the vegetables: Cut the vegetables uniformly into small pieces. If they are too big, they won’t cook correctly, and if they are too small, they will turn into mush. Try to aim for a size of 1/4 inch dice.

– Frozen vs. fresh ingredients: You can use either fresh or frozen vegetables in this recipe without any problems. However, fresh vegetables will take longer to cook than frozen ones.

– Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste the stew and add more seasoning if needed. Remember that spices tend to lose their potency over time, so make sure your spices are not too old.

– Browning the meat: If you have the time, I recommend browning the pork and chicken before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds depth and complexity of flavor to the stew.

– Cook time: This recipe is designed for a slow cooker and should take between 5 and 7 hours on low heat settings in a 6-quart slow cooker. If you don’t have enough time on your hands, you can always use high heat settings for around 3 hours.

– Storing leftovers: Store any leftover Brunswick Stew in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it in smaller portions for up to three months.

Follow these tips, and I guarantee your Brunswick Stew will be perfect every time!

FAQ

Before we wrap things up, let’s address some of the most common questions that people have about this Southern Style Brunswick Stew recipe. Whether it’s your first time cooking this savory delight or you’re looking to add a new twist to an old favorite, these frequently asked questions will guide you towards a successful outcome. So let’s dive in and get cookin’!

Is Brunswick stew a Southern thing?

A beloved dish in the South, Brunswick stew is known to have a tomato base and typically includes lima beans, corn, and pulled pork. It used to be made with various types of game, even squirrel and opossum, along with seasonal vegetables. Brunswick stew can commonly be found in barbecue restaurants throughout the region.

What was in the original Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew, a beloved dish in the South, typically includes a variety of protein such as pork, chicken, or beef along with a tomato base, beans, and vegetables. Historically, the stew has been made with less conventional meats such as squirrel, rabbit, and even opossum.

What is the best way to thicken Brunswick stew?

In case you’ve decided to switch things up a bit, don’t you worry none! There’s a trick up my sleeve to fix any runny soup or stew – cornstarch. Just take 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and mix it with 2 tablespoons of cool water. Give it a good stir with a fork before adding it into the stew. Let it sit for a minute and if it ain’t thick enough, give it another go until it’s just right.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal with the perfect balance of flavors, then this southern-style Brunswick stew prepared using a crock pot is the recipe for you! With its rich tomato base, tender vegetables, and succulent pork or chicken, this stew is a sure winner for any dinner table.

The slow-cook method ensures that all the flavors blend together perfectly, creating an aromatic and mouth-watering dish. And with its versatile ingredients list, you can add your own variations to suit your taste buds.

Moreover, this recipe is easy to prepare and store. You can make it ahead of time and have it ready to serve at any given moment. Whether it’s a big family gathering or just a regular weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

In conclusion, I highly recommend trying out this southern-style Brunswick stew crock pot recipe. It’s a classic comfort food that will warm your heart and soul. So grab your apron and get cooking!

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