Potatoes In Brunswick Stew: Yes Or No?

Brunswick stew is a traditional Southern dish that is said to have originated in either Brunswick, Georgia, or Brunswick County, Virginia. The original recipe is thought to have included squirrel and onions, but over time, the dish has evolved to include a variety of meats and vegetables. While there is no definitive answer to whether potatoes should be included in Brunswick stew, many modern recipes do feature potatoes as a key ingredient.

Some recipes for Brunswick stew include potatoes as one of the main ingredients, along with other vegetables such as corn, lima beans, and onions. The potatoes are typically diced or cubed and added to the stew during the cooking process, where they absorb the flavours of the other ingredients and contribute to the thickness of the dish.

However, there are also recipes for Brunswick stew that intentionally leave out potatoes. Some cooks may prefer to omit potatoes to reduce the cooking time or to create a lighter, less hearty version of the dish. Ultimately, the decision to include or exclude potatoes comes down to personal preference and the desired flavour and texture of the final dish.

Should you include potatoes in Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew is a traditional Southern dish with a rich history. The original recipe is said to have been made with onions and squirrel, but it has evolved over the years to become a vegetable-packed stew with a variety of meats, usually chicken or pork, or a combination of the two.

The question of whether potatoes should be included in Brunswick stew is a matter of personal preference and regional variation. Some recipes for Brunswick stew do include potatoes, such as the traditional recipe from Georgia that includes chicken and salt pork with potatoes, beans, and other vegetables. It is said to be both hearty and delicious.

On the other hand, some recipes for Brunswick stew specifically leave out potatoes. For example, one recipe from a barbecue restaurant in the South leaves out the potatoes to keep the recipe as quick and easy as possible. The recipe also suggests that including mashed potatoes can make the stew too thick.

In conclusion, whether or not to include potatoes in Brunswick stew is a matter of personal preference. Recipes from different regions and cooks may vary, and the dish can be tailored to suit individual tastes.

What are the origins of Brunswick stew?

The origins of Brunswick stew are highly contested, with both the city of Brunswick, Georgia, and Brunswick County, Virginia claiming to have invented the dish. However, the exact origin of the stew is unknown.

The Georgia Claim

A plaque on a 25-gallon black iron pot in Brunswick, Georgia, claims that the first Brunswick stew was made in it on July 2, 1898, on nearby St. Simons Island. There is also a second pot in Brunswick, Georgia, that claims to commemorate the origin of the stew, dated back to early colonial days.

The Virginia Claim

There are several written accounts of a dish called Brunswick stew being cooked in Virginia before the Civil War. In 1849, the Alexandria Gazette described Brunswick stew as "a genuine South-side dish, composed of squirrels, chicken, a little bacon, and corn and tomatoes." There are also several stories that attribute the recipe to a noted hunter and cook named James (or Jimmy) Matthews from the Red Oak neighbourhood in Brunswick County, Virginia. These stories date the invention of the stew to 1828.

Other Theories

Some have theorised that the dish may have originated in the city of Braunschweig (English: Brunswick) in the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg in today's northern Germany. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, in her 1942 book "Cross Creek Cookery", wrote that the stew may have come from this region and that it was one of Queen Victoria's favourites.

Another theory suggests that the dish was first cooked by Native Americans, who would make a tomato-based stew using seasonal ingredients, including squirrel, groundhog meat, and crops such as lima beans, corn, and squash.

What are the essential ingredients of Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew is a traditional Southern dish that combines meat, vegetables, and a tomato base. The essential ingredients are:

Meat

The meat in Brunswick stew is what gives it its characteristic smoky flavour. While traditional recipes used wild game meats like squirrel, rabbit, and opossum, modern recipes typically use a combination of pulled pork and shredded chicken. Some recipes also include beef or smoked sausage.

Vegetables

The vegetables in Brunswick stew can vary but usually include lima beans (also called butter beans), corn, and diced tomatoes. Other common additions are potatoes, celery, and onion.

Seasonings and Broth

To enhance the flavour of the stew, seasonings like garlic, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne pepper, and barbecue sauce are often added. The stew is typically made with a chicken broth base, but some recipes include liquid smoke or apple cider vinegar for additional flavour.

What are the best meats to use in Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew is a tomato-based stew that typically includes a mix of meats and vegetables. While traditional recipes used small game meats like squirrel, rabbit, and even opossum, modern versions often feature a combination of chicken, pork, and beef. Here are some of the best meats to use when making this hearty dish:

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a popular choice for Brunswick stew, adding a smoky flavour to the dish. You can smoke or slow cook your own pork or purchase it from a local BBQ restaurant. If you have leftover pulled pork, this stew is a great way to use it up.

Chicken

Chicken, particularly chicken thighs, is another common meat used in Brunswick stew. You can use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, or cook the chicken specifically for the stew. Chicken breasts or thighs can be chopped and cooked in the pot before adding the other ingredients.

Beef

Ground beef is often used in Brunswick stew, but you can also use stew meat, brisket, or cubed pork loin chops. If you have leftover beef, such as a roast, you can shred or dice it and add it to the stew.

Other Meats

While chicken, pork, and beef are the most common, other meats can be used as well. Some people use wild game like rabbit or even ground squirrel. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey can also be added to the stew.

Remember, Brunswick stew is versatile, so feel free to mix and match meats to your preference. It's a great way to use up leftover BBQ or smoked meats, so don't be afraid to get creative!

What are some good side dishes to serve with Brunswick stew?

Brunswick stew is a hearty and flavourful dish that is often served as a side dish at barbecues and cookouts in the Southern United States. Here are some side dishes that go well with Brunswick stew:

• Baked beans
• Potato salad
• Macaroni and cheese
• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans almondine
• Grilled buttery corn on the cob
• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
• Garlic bread
• Rice
• Polenta

Frequently asked questions