Canning Comfort: Preserving Brunswick Stew, A Hearty Tradition

Brunswick stew is a classic Southern dish that is a thick, hearty mix of meat and vegetables. It is typically made with chicken and pork, but can also be made with beef or other meats like squirrel, rabbit, and even opossum. The stew has a tomato base and is often enhanced with barbecue sauce and other seasonings to give it a sweet and savoury flavour. It is usually served as a side dish with barbecued meats and is a staple at many Southern barbecue restaurants.

Choosing your meat

If you want to be traditional, you can use squirrel, rabbit, or other game meat. If you are a hunter or live off the land, this is a great option. However, these days, it is more common to use leftover smoked and roasted meats like pulled pork, roasted chicken, or beef. You can also use ground beef or ground pork for a less expensive option.

If you are using chicken, it is best to use a mixture of white and dark meat. You can use a whole chicken, or just breasts and thighs. If you are using pork, a pork shoulder roast or pork butt works well. You can also use leftover pulled pork from your favourite BBQ joint.

For a deeper, smoky flavour, add a ham bone to your stew. This is an optional step, but it adds an extra layer of flavour to the dish. You can usually find ham bones at your local butcher or grocery store.

No matter what meat you choose, Brunswick stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold day.

Preparing your vegetables

• Chopping: Start by chopping your vegetables into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in your stew. Chop your onions, celery, and potatoes into small to medium-sized pieces. You can also dice your tomatoes or use canned diced tomatoes for convenience.
• Sautéing: Heat some oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and celery, and sauté until they are translucent and tender. This step helps to develop the flavor base for your stew. You can also add minced garlic at this stage and cook for a minute or two, stirring frequently.
• Adding Vegetables in Stages: Once your aromatics (onions, celery, and garlic) are softened, it's time to add the remaining vegetables. Start with the vegetables that take longer to cook, such as potatoes, carrots, or lima beans. Add them to the pot and give them a few minutes to cook before proceeding to the next step.
• Building Flavor: Pour in your chicken or vegetable stock, diced tomatoes (if using canned), and any other canned vegetables like cream-style corn. You can also add your barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings like cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a low boil.
• Simmering: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let your stew cook for about 15 minutes. This allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Final Touches: After the initial simmer, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or spices to suit your preference. If using frozen vegetables like corn or okra, add them during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking so they don't overcook.

Remember, the beauty of Brunswick stew is its versatility. You can adjust the types and amounts of vegetables to your liking. Feel free to experiment and add your own creative touches to make it your signature stew!

Making the sauce

Start by heating some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. You can use olive oil or butter for this step. Once the oil is hot, add your aromatic vegetables. Typically, this includes onions, but you can also add celery and garlic. Cook these vegetables until they're soft and tender, which usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes.

Next, it's time to add the canned tomatoes and/or tomato paste. If using tomato paste, mix it with a small amount of chicken broth before adding it to the pot. This step will help thicken the sauce and give it a rich, tomatoey base. You can also add diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, or whole peeled tomatoes at this stage.

Now, it's time to add the liquids and seasonings that will give your Brunswick stew its signature flavour. Pour in chicken broth or stock, and then add your choice of barbecue sauce, ketchup or BBQ sauce, and other seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

At this point, you've created a delicious sauce that's ready for your choice of meat and vegetables. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer to develop the flavours. You can adjust the seasoning and add more barbecue sauce or other seasonings to taste.

Your sauce is now ready to be transformed into a hearty Brunswick stew! Simply add your chosen meats, such as pulled pork, shredded chicken, ground beef, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Don't forget to add vegetables like corn, lima beans, butter beans, and potatoes. Let everything simmer together until the vegetables are tender and the flavours have melded beautifully.

Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch more brown sugar or ketchup. Remember, Brunswick stew is all about a balance of smoky and sweet flavours, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect blend.

Cooking the stew

Get a large Dutch oven or heavy stock pot and heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender. Reduce the heat and add the minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly.

In a separate bowl, stir the tomato paste with 1/4 cup of chicken broth and add it to the pot. Then, add the remaining chicken broth, diced tomatoes, frozen corn, lima beans, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. Then, add the smoked pork and chicken and let it simmer for about 5 more minutes. If desired, season with salt and pepper.

Serving the stew

Spoon the Brunswick stew into bowls and drizzle with a little extra barbecue sauce for added flavour and presentation.

Storing leftovers

Store any leftover Brunswick stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing the stew

You can also freeze Brunswick stew for future use. Simply fill freezer-safe zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy your stew again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.

Serving suggestions

Brunswick stew is a hearty meal in itself, but it can be served with other dishes. It is typically served as a side dish with barbecued chicken or pork, along with baked beans and potato salad. It can also be served with coleslaw, cornbread, and Southern fried apples.

Some recipes suggest serving Brunswick stew with crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the juices. It can also be served with pickles, a salad, or fried okra, hushpuppies, or sautéed spinach.

Leftover Brunswick stew can be used to stuff potato skins, tossed with pasta, grains, or rice, or served over eggs.

Frequently asked questions