Bbq Secrets: Brunswick Stew

Brunswick Stew is a hearty, Southern comfort food that's perfect for cold weather. It's a versatile, tomato-based stew that's usually served as a side dish and can be made with pretty much any type of meat and vegetables. While it's commonly found in BBQ joints in Georgia, Virginia, and the Carolinas, you can easily make it at home with leftover BBQ or rotisserie chicken. It's a great way to use up leftover meat and veggies, and it freezes well for future meals.

Choosing your meat

When it comes to choosing your meat for Brunswick Stew, you have a lot of flexibility. This is a great dish for using up leftover meats, especially those from a barbecue. You can use pretty much any type of meat, and it's perfect for storing in the freezer and then adding to the stew later.

The most common meats used in Brunswick Stew are pulled pork, chicken, and beef. You can use a whole chicken, or just chicken thighs, and either pulled or smoked pork. You can also add in smoked brisket, or regular brisket, and ground beef. If you don't eat beef, you can substitute it with more pork or chicken, or another meat of your choice.

If you're using leftover barbecue meats, you can use whatever you have available. This could include ribs, steak, or wings. You can also add in sausages, bacon, or ham hocks for extra flavour.

Brunswick Stew is a versatile dish, so don't be afraid to experiment with different types of meat to find your favourite combination. Just remember that meat is the star of the show in this stew, so be generous with your portions!

Picking your vegetables

Onions

Onions are a staple in Brunswick stew and add a savoury depth of flavour. You can use sweet onions or regular yellow onions, depending on your preference. Chop them into a medium dice to ensure they cook evenly.

Garlic

Garlic is another essential ingredient in Brunswick stew. Mince or finely chop the garlic cloves to release their flavour. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, but generally, two to six cloves should be enough.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a common addition to Brunswick stew and help make it heartier and more filling. Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook through. You can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, or peel them if you prefer.

Corn

Corn is a must-have in Brunswick stew. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels. If using frozen or canned corn, make sure to drain them before adding them to the stew.

Lima Beans or Butter Beans

Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a traditional choice for Brunswick stew. They add a creamy texture and a subtle flavour. You can use fresh or frozen lima beans, depending on what's available.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a key ingredient in Brunswick stew, providing a tangy flavour and a vibrant colour. You can use fresh, diced tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes. If using canned, look for ones packed in juice or puree for added flavour.

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers, also known as capsicums, can add a touch of sweetness and colour to your Brunswick stew. Green, red, or yellow bell peppers are all suitable. Remove the seeds and ribs before chopping them into bite-sized pieces.

Celery

Celery is often used in Brunswick stew to add a subtle savoury flavour and a bit of crunch. Chop the celery stalks into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly with the other vegetables.

Okra

Okra is not a traditional ingredient in Brunswick stew, but some people like to add it for extra texture and flavour. If you decide to use okra, look for fresh or frozen pods and chop them into small pieces.

Remember, the beauty of Brunswick stew is its versatility, so feel free to adapt the vegetable selections to your taste and what's in season. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to make the stew even more nutritious and colourful.

Selecting a pot

When selecting a pot for making Brunswick stew, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, Brunswick stew is typically made in large quantities, so a large pot is necessary. A stock pot or a Dutch oven is ideal, but a basic pot on the stove will also work. If cooking outdoors, a cast iron pot can be placed on an outdoor gas flame or a campfire.

The size of the pot will depend on the desired batch size. For example, a 14-quart pot can be used to feed 300 people, while a 6-quart slow cooker is suitable for a family meal.

It is also important to ensure that the pot is secure and will not tip over, especially when cooking outdoors. This is essential for safety reasons and to prevent spills.

Additionally, the material of the pot can affect the cooking time and temperature. Cast iron pots retain heat well and distribute it evenly, making them ideal for slow cooking.

Finally, consider the ease of cleaning. Some pots may be easier to clean than others, depending on their material and design. For example, a pot with a non-stick coating may be easier to clean than a cast iron pot.

Adding BBQ sauce

When it comes to choosing a BBQ sauce, you can use your favourite, whether that's a North Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce or a ketchup-based sauce. You can also make your own sauce from scratch. The amount of sauce you add can be adjusted to your taste, but a regular-sized bottle should be sufficient.

Once you have your chosen sauce, you can add it to the pot after sautéing the vegetables and before adding the meat. This will help to coat the meat and vegetables, infusing them with flavour.

After adding the BBQ sauce, you can stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes before adding the remaining ingredients. This will allow the flavours to meld and develop, creating a rich and hearty stew.

Finally, don't be afraid to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste. If you find the stew needs more sauce after simmering, you can always add a little extra. Similarly, if you prefer a less saucy stew, you can reduce the amount you add. The key is to taste as you go and adjust the ingredients to your preference.

Serving suggestions

Brunswick stew is a hearty meal that can be served as a main course or side dish. It is often served with cornbread, saltines, or crusty bread. For a more filling meal, serve it with coleslaw, cornbread, and Southern fried apples.

If you're serving Brunswick stew as a side, it pairs well with BBQ meats such as ribs or rotisserie chicken. It can also be served with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes.

For a more casual meal, serve the stew in a bread bowl. You can also add some extra barbecue sauce on top of the stew for presentation and added flavour.

Brunswick stew can be frozen and enjoyed at a later date. Simply add individual portions to quart-size freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion, and lay them flat in the freezer. Then, thaw the stew in the refrigerator overnight and heat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions