And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. Just a few minutes of hands-on time, and you’re all set to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal. Trust me, once you try my version of Brunswick stew, it’ll become a regular on your dinner menu! We love Southern flavors here at GypsyPlate. From our popular Shrimp and Grits to Southern Squash Casserole and Smothered Chicken, some of our most delicious recipes come from the South. We’ve even uncovered some very regional gems like Grillades and Yakamein. Today, we’ve cooked up another cracker of a dish for you! A few years back, I was in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, just craving some good old-fashioned barbecue. I strolled into this cozy little restaurant, and there it is on the menu, Brunswick stew. Now, I had heard about it before, but never actually tried it. So, I figured, why not give it a shot? The server brought out this steaming bowl of stew, and as soon as I took that first spoonful, I was hooked. The rich aroma of smoked meats, the hearty veggies, and those incredible barbecue flavors, it was like a warm hug on a chilly day. Ever since, Brunswick stew has had a special place in my heart and I’ve been wanting to cook it for GypsyPlate.
What is Brunswick Stew?
Brunswick stew is a tomato based stew with meat and veggies that’s flavored with barbecue sauce. It’s exact origins are unknown, but both Georgia and Virginia claim it as their own. A plaque on an old iron pot in Brunswick, Georgia, says the first Brunswick stew was made in it on July 2, 1898. Virginia, meanwhile, has stories that say it was invented there before the Civil War. Whatever the case, someone somewhere sure came up with one tasty pot of stew! Recipes vary greatly, some have different veggies depending on what’s available, some use only one meat and some use several. Some are thinner, some are thicker. But they all share the same soul.
Ingredients Needed
As I mentioned, these can vary quite a bit, but here is what I used today:
Smoked Meat – I got pulled chicken, pulled pork and beef brisket from a local BBQ restaurant. Butter Aromatics – Onion and garlic. Veggies – Frozen corn, lima beans and okra, along with canned tomatoes. Chicken stock or broth Sauces – BBQ, Worcestershire and hot sauce. Spices – Freshly cracked black pepper and cayenne powder.
How to make Brunswick Stew
This stew is super easy to make, especially if you have already cooked meats. I start by heating up some butter in a big soup pot on medium-high heat. Once it’s melted, I add in the chopped onion and cook it until it starts to get brown. Then, I toss in the garlic, stir it up, and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. Next, I add all the other stuff: tomatoes, chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, barbecue sauce, pepper, cayenne, and the meats. I give it all a good mix. Once everything’s in there, I bring it to a boil. After that, I reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes. It’s that simple!
Crockpot Method
Absolutely! This is the ultimate “just dump everything in the crockpot and turn it on” meal. Seriously. Give everything a good mix, cover and cook for 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low. Go run some errands and come back to some amazing aromas.
Variations
If you want to use only one or two types of meat, that’s fine. Just use the same total amount. It was originally cooked with small game like squirrel and possum! I use whatever veggies I have on hand that day. Some days I add a dash of liquid smoke to enhance the smokiness (or if I don’t have access to smoked meat). Some variations have potatoes, which make it even thicker.
Serving Suggestions
As it’s loaded with meats and veggies, this makes for a great meal all on it’s own. Personally though, I like it with a side of cornbread. Try my Cheddar Bacon Jalapeño Cornbread, it goes great with this stew. Sometimes I also like a nice fresh salad on the side. I hope you enjoy this Brunswick stew as much as we do. If your craving great Southern flavors, or just need something warm and hearty on a winter day, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and please leave a comment and review, I love hearing from you! And be sure to subscribe to the GypsyPlate mailing list, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you!
Brunswick Stew, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
Try these other cozy stews!Guinness Beef StewMaafe (African Peanut Stew)Dominican Chicken StewMeatball StewCarne GuisadaPersian FesenjanBeef Tagine
