Brunswick Stew: Georgia's Signature Dish

Georgia Brunswick stew is a thick, hearty dish that combines meat and vegetables in a rich, tangy broth. While there is debate about the origin of the dish, with both Brunswick County, Virginia, and Brunswick, Georgia, claiming it as their own, it is an iconic part of Southern cuisine and culture.

The key to a delicious Georgia Brunswick stew is in the combination of flavours and textures. The stew typically includes two types of meat—pulled pork and pulled chicken—which are infused with spices and flavourings. A variety of vegetables are then added, including fresh and canned tomatoes, corn, and butter beans. The unique blend of aromatics, spices, and flavourings gives the stew its distinctive taste and aroma.

Georgia Brunswick stew is a versatile dish that can be customised to suit individual tastes. It can be made spicier or sweeter, and additional vegetables can be added to create a heartier meal. It is often served with cornbread on the side, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a comforting and satisfying dish.

Prep and cook time

The prep and cook time for Georgia Brunswick stew will vary depending on the recipe and method used. Here is a general guide:

Preparation

Georgia Brunswick stew typically requires standard preparation such as chopping vegetables and meats. If using a slow cooker or Dutch oven, the preparation is often minimal, involving adding the ingredients to the pot and stirring. However, some recipes may require additional steps such as sautéing aromatics or browning meats.

Cooking Time

The cooking time can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the recipe and cooking method. For example, a slow cooker recipe may require 4-5 hours on low heat, while a stovetop recipe may call for simmering the stew for at least an hour or up to 3 hours.

Total Time

The total time to make Georgia Brunswick stew can be anywhere from 1 hour to several hours, depending on the recipe and cooking method. For instance, a slow cooker recipe may take 5 hours in total, while a stovetop recipe may require 2 hours and 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking time.

Tips for Faster Preparation

• Use a slow cooker or Dutch oven for easier preparation and minimal stirring.
• Opt for a recipe that uses canned or frozen vegetables to reduce preparation time.
• Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to skip the step of cooking the chicken separately.
• Purchase a ham bone or smoked meats to add flavour without additional cooking.
• Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to speed up cooking time.

Ingredients

Georgia Brunswick stew is a thick, savoury dish that combines meat and vegetables in a tomato-based broth. The ingredients used in this stew can vary, but here is a list of commonly used ingredients:

Aromatics:

• Yellow or red onion, finely chopped or diced
• Garlic, freshly minced

Spices:

• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Salt
• Ground allspice

Flavorings:

• Worcestershire sauce
• Liquid smoke
• Hot sauce (e.g. Tabasco)
• BBQ sauce (vinegar and mustard style)

Meat:

• Pulled pork (smoked or fresh/frozen)
• Pulled chicken (smoked or fresh/frozen)

Vegetables:

• Fresh tomatoes
• Canned tomatoes
• Yellow corn (fresh or frozen)
• Butter beans (fresh or frozen)
• Cream-style corn
• Potatoes (cooked and diced)
• Lima beans (baby lima beans or frozen)
• Celery
• Parsley
• Okra (fresh or frozen)
• Peas (fresh or frozen)
• Carrots
• Green beans
• Green peas
• Tomato juice

Liquids:

• Chicken stock or broth (low-sodium)
• Chicken drippings

Other:

• Olive oil
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Red pepper flakes
• Brown sugar
• Canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
• Butter
• Cayenne pepper
• Cornstarch (for thickening)
• Flour (for thickening)

Cooking method

Georgia Brunswick stew is a hearty dish that is perfect for a family meal or a crowd. It is a thick stew with a rich, smoky flavour and a combination of tender meats and vegetables. While there are many variations of the recipe, the basic method is to first sauté the aromatics (onion and garlic), then add the spices, meat, and vegetables, and finally the liquids. The stew is then simmered for at least an hour, or longer if a thicker consistency is desired.

To make the Georgia Brunswick stew, start by heating oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. This forms the base of the stew.

Next, add the spices to the pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The spices used in Georgia Brunswick stew typically include freshly cracked black pepper, salt, ground allspice, and red pepper flakes. This step helps to bloom the spices and build the flavour of the stew.

Now it's time to add the meat. The traditional Georgia Brunswick stew uses pulled pork and pulled chicken, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Add the meat to the pot and stir well to coat it with the spices. Cover the pot and cook the meat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour in the liquids, including chicken stock, chicken drippings, or additional chicken broth. You can also add barbecue sauce at this stage—a combination of vinegar-style and mustard-style barbecue sauce is typical. Stir everything together, then add the vegetables.

The vegetables used in Georgia Brunswick stew typically include canned and fresh tomatoes, corn, and butter beans or lima beans. You can also add potatoes, okra, or other vegetables of your choice. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the stew to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Once the stew reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. The stew should cook for at least an hour, but you can also let it simmer for up to three hours to allow the flavours to meld. Taste the stew and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Serve the Georgia Brunswick stew while it's still hot, with fresh cornbread and sweet tea on the side. It's a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for a cold day.

Serving suggestions

Georgia Brunswick stew is a hearty and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious stew:

As a Main Course

Although traditionally served as a side dish, Georgia Brunswick stew can also be a satisfying main course. Serve a generous bowl of stew with a side of freshly baked cornbread or corn muffins. For a complete meal, add a tossed salad on the side. This option is perfect for a comforting family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

Barbecue Companion

Georgia Brunswick stew is an ideal companion to a barbecue meal. It complements dishes like barbecued chicken or pork, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. The tangy and smoky flavours of the stew go hand in hand with the grilled delights of a barbecue spread.

With Southern Sides

For a true Southern experience, pair your Georgia Brunswick stew with traditional sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or hush puppies. You can also add a touch of crunch with pickles or a thick slice of white mountain bread. This combination captures the essence of Southern cuisine and is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

Leftovers and Storage

Georgia Brunswick stew tastes even better the next day, so don't worry about leftovers! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, it freezes well and can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.

Customisation

Feel free to customise your Georgia Brunswick stew to suit your taste preferences or ingredient availability. You can use different types of meat, such as pulled pork, pulled chicken, or a combination of both. Additionally, you can add or substitute vegetables like potatoes, okra, celery, or butter beans. Seasonings can also be adjusted to make it spicier or tangier according to your preference.

Storage and reheating

Georgia Brunswick stew can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later consumption. It is best to let the stew cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When stored in the refrigerator, the stew will last for 3-4 days, and when stored in the freezer, it can be stored for up to 6 months.

To reheat the stew, you can use a microwave, stovetop, or crockpot. For microwave reheating, place the stew in a microwave-safe dish with a lid and heat it for 3 minutes, stirring every 60 seconds. On a stovetop, place the stew in a pot over low heat and simmer until warm, stirring often. This will take about 15-20 minutes. If using a crockpot, set it to low heat and ensure there is enough moisture in the stew to prevent burning. Reheat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions