Make Your Own Barbecue Sauce For Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew is a hearty, savoury dish that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day. The dish is a classic in the southern United States, with its origins hotly contested between Brunswick, Georgia, and Brunswick County, Virginia. The original recipe included squirrel, rabbit, and other wild game meats, but today, it is more common to use chicken, pork, and beef. The key to a delicious Brunswick stew is in the sauce – a combination of barbecue sauce, ketchup, and other seasonings gives the dish its signature sweet and smoky flavour.

What ingredients do you need for homemade barbecue sauce?

Making your own barbecue sauce at home is easy and allows you to customise the sauce to your taste preferences. The ingredients you will need for a homemade barbecue sauce are:

• Butter or oil
• Aromatics such as garlic and onion
• Tomatoes, either fresh or canned
• A liquid such as chicken broth, water, or chicken stock
• A sweetening agent such as brown sugar, honey, or molasses
• Vinegar or lemon juice to add a tangy flavour
• Spices such as cayenne pepper, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt
• Thickening agents such as cornstarch or tomato paste (optional)

You can also add other ingredients to customise your sauce, such as:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Hot sauce
• Liquid smoke
• Herbs and spices of your choice

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of butter or oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of tomato puree or 2 cups of fresh tomatoes, blended
• 1/2 cup of water, chicken broth, or stock
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, honey, or molasses
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of thickening agent (optional)

Instructions:

• Melt the butter or heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
• Stir in the tomato puree or blended fresh tomatoes.
• Pour in the liquid and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Add the sweetening agent, vinegar or lemon juice, and spices, stirring to combine.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• If using a thickening agent, mix it with a small amount of water and stir it into the sauce.
• Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before using.

You can adjust the ingredient quantities and cooking time to your preference. This recipe can be a great base for customising your own unique barbecue sauce.

How do you make Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew is a hearty Southern dish that features beans, vegetables, and meat in a tomato base. It is typically made with leftover meat, such as pulled pork or chicken, and a mixture of vegetables like corn, lima beans, and potatoes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious Brunswick stew:

Ingredients:

• Butter or oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Chicken broth or stock
• Tomato paste (optional)
• Barbecue sauce
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Spices (salt, pepper, cayenne, etc.)
• Meat (pulled pork, chicken, beef, or a combination)
• Vegetables (corn, lima beans, potatoes, celery, okra, etc.)

Instructions:

• Heat butter or oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat.
• Add diced onion and cook until tender and translucent.
• Add minced garlic and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
• If using tomato paste, stir it with some chicken broth and add it to the pot.
• Add the remaining chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and other vegetables, such as corn, lima beans, and potatoes.
• Stir in barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices to taste.
• Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
• Add the meat (pulled pork, chicken, or beef) and let the stew simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the Brunswick stew in bowls, and drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce on top if desired.

Brunswick stew is a delicious and hearty meal, perfect for warming up on chilly days. It can be made with various ingredients and customised to your taste preferences. Enjoy!

What meats can you use in Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew is a Southern dish that features beans, vegetables, and meat in a tomato base. Early recipes often used squirrel, rabbit, and even opossum, but today, it usually includes chicken, pork, and beef.

Brunswick stew is a versatile dish, and you can use whatever meat you have available. If you're looking for a more authentic experience, try using squirrel, rabbit, or other game meats. For a simpler option, chicken and pork are excellent choices and are easily accessible at most grocery stores. You can also use leftover meats, such as pulled pork, to add a smoky flavour to your stew.

If you want to get creative, you can include a variety of meats in your Brunswick stew. Some people like to use ground beef or ground pork, while others prefer cubed pork loin chops or beef brisket. You can even add cooked chicken breast or thighs if you don't have any leftover meats.

No matter which meat you choose, Brunswick stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal.

What vegetables can you use in Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew is a Southern dish that features beans, vegetables, and meat in a tomato base. While traditional Brunswick stews were often made with squirrel, rabbit, and even opossum, these days, it is more common to use pork, chicken, and beef.

The vegetables used in Brunswick stew can vary, but typically include:

• Corn
• Lima beans or butter beans
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Celery
• Okra
• Diced tomatoes

Some recipes also include carrots, green peppers, and peas. The key is to use whatever local ingredients are available and suit your taste.

What do you serve with Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew is a hearty dish that can be served as a meal on its own or as a side dish. It is a Southern dish that features beans, vegetables, and meat in a tomato base. While it can be served on its own, there are several side dishes that go well with Brunswick stew. Here are some options:

• Bread: Cornbread, biscuits, or plain white bread are all popular choices to serve with Brunswick stew. Cornbread, in particular, is a must-have for many, as it pairs well with the stew and helps to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Salads: A fresh, crunchy salad can be a great side dish to pair with Brunswick stew. Options include a classic wedge salad, a Caesar salad, or a kale apple salad with bacon and feta.
• Vegetables: Grilled corn on the cob, green beans almondine, or crispy, tender fried okra are all tasty vegetable sides to serve with Brunswick stew.
• Starches: Macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and rice (such as Jasmine rice) are all hearty starches that can accompany the stew.
• Pickles: Pickles are a simple and tangy side dish that can cut through the richness of the stew.
• Other sides: Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and hushpuppies are also commonly served alongside Brunswick stew at barbecues and cookouts.

Frequently asked questions