Brunswick Stew: Ww Points And Nutrition

Brunswick stew is a hearty, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish that is perfect for cold weather. It is a traditional Southern dish that is usually made with chicken or turkey and pulled pork, stewed in a tomato-based broth with vegetables and seasonings. The exact number of WW points in Brunswick stew will depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used, but it typically ranges from 1-10 points per serving.

Brunswick stew's history

Brunswick stew is a traditional Southern dish, with both Georgia and Virginia claiming to be the origin of the recipe.

The debate over the stew's origin has been ongoing for decades, with both states presenting evidence to support their claim. Georgia points to a 25-gallon iron pot outside the coastal town, which has a plaque stating that it was used to make the first Brunswick stew in 1898. However, written accounts from as early as 1849 describe a dish called Brunswick stew being cooked in Virginia, with the earliest known recipe dating back to 1828.

According to the Virginia claim, the stew was created by an African American hunting-camp cook named Jimmy Matthews, who made a squirrel stew for his enslaver, Creed Haskins, in 1828. The dish was named after its home county, Brunswick County, Virginia. This claim is supported by a 1988 Virginia General Assembly proclamation.

Over time, the recipe for Brunswick stew has evolved, and today it is typically made with chicken, pork, or beef, rather than game meat. It is a thick, tomato-based stew with a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, butter beans, corn, and okra. It is a beloved dish in the South and is typically served in the fall and winter.

The dish's key ingredients

Brunswick stew is a hearty dish with a unique blend of ingredients. While there is no "official" recipe, it typically includes a mix of meats, vegetables, and flavourful sauces. Here is a breakdown of the key components:

Meats

Brunswick stew is known for its hearty blend of meats, which can vary depending on region and personal preference. Common choices include chicken, pork, and beef. In the past, it was also made with small game meats like squirrel, rabbit, and possum. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken breast can be used.

Vegetables

A variety of vegetables add texture and flavour to the stew. Staples include onions, tomatoes, corn, and lima or butter beans. Other popular choices are celery, bell peppers, and mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, and potatoes.

Sauces and Seasonings

The secret to the stew's distinctive flavour lies in its sauces and seasonings. Ketchup or barbecue sauce lends a sweet and tangy taste, while hot sauce and cayenne pepper add a kick. Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and black pepper are also commonly used to enhance the dish.

Customisation

The beauty of Brunswick stew is its versatility. It can be customised to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. Meat lovers can load up on their favourite proteins, while vegetarians can opt for a meatless version. Additional ingredients like potatoes, okra, or celery can be included or omitted as desired.

Brunswick stew is a testament to culinary creativity, allowing cooks to experiment with ingredients and find their perfect blend. Whether enjoyed as a comforting bowl on a chilly day or shared at a festive gathering, it's a dish that satisfies both body and soul.

How to make the stew

Brunswick stew is a classic Southern dish that combines meat, vegetables, and a savoury broth. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this hearty stew.

Ingredients:

• Butter or oil
• Garlic
• Onion
• Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• Chicken stock or broth
• Barbecue sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Cayenne pepper
• Smoked pulled pork and/or chicken
• Corn (fresh or frozen)
• Lima beans (fresh or frozen)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Other vegetables of your choice (e.g. potatoes, celery, okra)

Instructions:

• Melt butter or heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium to medium-high heat.
• Add garlic and onion, sautéing until soft and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
• Stir in tomatoes, chicken stock, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and any other vegetables you are using (except corn and lima beans). Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
• Add corn, lima beans, and shredded/chopped meat. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve with cornbread, biscuits, coleslaw, or a salad on the side.

Tips:

• For a thicker stew, reduce the amount of chicken stock or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
• If using leftover meat, add it towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
• For a smokier flavour, substitute barbecue sauce for ketchup, or add a dash of liquid smoke.
• Adjust the heat and sweetness to your preference by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper and brown sugar.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Brunswick stew!

Recipe variations

Ingredients

Brunswick stew is a highly customizable dish. While it traditionally features a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, you can use just one type of meat or substitute it with ground beef or ground pork. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether and adding more vegetables or beans.

For the vegetables, you can adjust the amounts and types to suit your taste and what you have on hand. Common additions include potatoes, okra, celery, and carrots. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as butter beans or lima beans.

Cooking Method

While a traditional Brunswick stew recipe may require slow-smoking the meat over wood chips or roasting it in an oven, a simplified version can be made in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot. You can also prepare it on the stovetop in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot.

Flavour Profile

To enhance the flavour of your Brunswick stew, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke, barbecue sauce, or tomato paste. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce or cayenne pepper. For a touch of sweetness, include some brown sugar or ketchup.

Serving Suggestions

Brunswick stew is often served with cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, or a loaf of pumpkin bread for a true Southern experience. It can also be paired with sides such as collard greens, broccoli casserole, or fried apples.

Serving suggestions

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

As a Side Dish

Brunswick stew is commonly served as a side dish to complement barbecued meats such as chicken or pork. In this case, it is typically accompanied by other side dishes such as baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, or a salad. Cornbread or biscuits are also essential to complete the meal and soak up all the delicious juices from the stew.

As a Main Course

While Brunswick stew is traditionally a side dish, it can also be served as a hearty and satisfying main course. To make it a more substantial meal, it can be served with cornbread or freshly baked cornbread on the side. For a heartier option, serve it with saltine crackers or biscuits.

Creative Pairings

For a unique twist, Brunswick stew can be paired with fried okra, hushpuppies, or sautéed spinach. It can also be used as a filling for potato skins or tossed with pasta, grains, or rice. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Leftovers

Brunswick stew is known for its thick and hearty consistency, and leftovers are common. Here are some ideas for using leftovers to create new meals:

• Stuffing for potato skins
• Tossed with pasta, grains, or rice
• Served over eggs
• Freezing in airtight containers for later enjoyment

No matter how it is served, Brunswick stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cosy night in or a gathering with friends and family.

Frequently asked questions