Traditional Brunswick Stew: A Hearty Southern Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

Brunswick Stew: A Taste of Southern Tradition

When it comes to comfort food, Brunswick Stew is a classic that has been enjoyed across generations. With its roots deeply entrenched in Southern cuisine, this hearty dish brings together a medley of flavors in a bowl of pure comfort. Whether you're craving a smoky, savory stew on a cold night or looking to impress at your next family gathering, Brunswick Stew never disappoints.

While the origins of Brunswick Stew are debated—some say it hails from Brunswick, Georgia, while others claim it started in Brunswick County, Virginia—one thing is certain: this dish has become a staple in American kitchens. Known for its rich blend of vegetables, pulled meat, and smoky BBQ sauce, it's a stew that brings warmth and tradition to the table.

This version of Brunswick Stew focuses on simplicity and flavor, combining tender smoked pulled pork or chicken with a zesty vinegar-based barbecue sauce. The fire-roasted tomatoes give the stew a deep, smoky flavor, while the lima beans and mixed vegetables add texture and heartiness. It's a dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even game day.

Recipe: Brunswick Stew

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 14.5 oz can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• 1 cup frozen lima beans
• 2 cups of chicken stock
• 2 cups of smoked pulled pork or chicken
• 1 1/2 cups vinegar-based BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they turn soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma of the garlic and onion cooking in butter will set the base for this delicious stew.
2. Add the Rest of the Ingredients: Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juice), mixed vegetables, lima beans, chicken stock, pulled pork or chicken, BBQ sauce, and sugar. This combination of ingredients is what gives Brunswick Stew its rich, savory-sweet flavor.
3. Bring to a Boil: Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s bubbling, the flavors will start to meld together beautifully.
4. Simmer and Wait: After the stew reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 40 minutes. This slow simmer allows the meat to soak up the flavors of the BBQ sauce and vegetables, creating a robust, comforting stew. Be sure to stir occasionally.
5. Season to Taste: Before serving, season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. You may adjust the seasoning depending on your preference for sweetness or acidity from the BBQ sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Brunswick Stew hot, paired with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete Southern meal.

A Hearty Bowl of Comfort

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a warm bowl of Brunswick Stew. It’s a dish that tells a story of community, heritage, and timeless flavors. Whether you make it with pulled pork, chicken, or even a combination of both, this stew offers a versatile and filling meal for any occasion.

With its tender meat, hearty vegetables, and tangy BBQ sauce, Brunswick Stew is as flavorful as it is comforting. As you enjoy this dish, you’ll find that each bite is a reminder of the rich culinary traditions that define American cooking.

Here are several trusted sources for Brunswick Stew recipes that offer a mix of traditional and modern takes on this beloved Southern dish:

1. Insanely Good Recipes provides a detailed breakdown of how to make a classic Brunswick Stew using chicken, pulled pork, vegetables, and a robust tomato and BBQ sauce base. They highlight the importance of simmering the stew slowly to allow the flavors to meld perfectly​(Insanely Good Recipes).
2. The Kitchn offers a version with both pork and chicken, adding tangy mustard-based BBQ sauce for a flavorful twist. This recipe emphasizes the regional variations of Brunswick Stew and includes easy-to-follow steps that result in a hearty, thick stew​(The Kitchn).
3. Allrecipes also features a popular Brunswick Stew recipe, which combines pork, beef, and chicken with a mix of fresh and canned vegetables. This version is praised for its deep, savory flavor that comes from slow cooking the ingredients​(Allrecipes).
4. Hank Shaw’s Brunswick Stew presents a more traditional approach, incorporating game meats like squirrel or rabbit, though it can be easily adapted with more common proteins like chicken or pork. The recipe encourages creativity, allowing you to adjust the seasonings and vegetables to your liking​(Hunter Angler Gardener Cook).
5. Taste of Southern offers a step-by-step guide for making Brunswick Stew, focusing on the use of frozen vegetables and slow-cooked chicken to create a rich and flavorful dish. The emphasis is on making the stew thick and hearty, rather than soup-like​(Taste Of Southern).

These resources should help you explore various takes on Brunswick Stew, whether you're looking for a more traditional method or a modern, simplified version.