Thicken Brunswick Stew With Cornstarch

Brunswick stew is a classic Southern dish that combines smoked pork or chicken with a savoury barbecue sauce broth and vegetables. It is typically served as a side dish with barbecued meats, but can also be served as a main course. The stew is usually quite thick, but if you find that your stew is too thick, you can always stir in a little water or stock to get your desired consistency. On the other hand, if your stew is too thin, simply remove the cover and let it cook until it has reduced to the consistency you want.

Use mashed potato

If your Brunswick stew is too thin, there are several ways to thicken it. One way is to simply let it cook uncovered until it has reduced to your desired consistency.

You can also use instant mashed potatoes as a thickening agent. This works particularly well if your stew already contains potatoes, as it will enhance the flavor. Add about 1/8 cup of instant mashed potatoes and stir well. Keep in mind that a little bit of instant mashed potatoes goes a long way, so add more incrementally and be careful not to add too much.

If you don't have instant mashed potatoes on hand, you can also try adding real potatoes to your stew. Cut them into small cubes and cook them until they break down and thicken the stew.

Add cornflour

If your Brunswick stew is too thin, you can make it thicker by adding cornflour. Cornflour is a great gluten-free option to thicken your stew. It has a slightly more gelatinous texture, so add a teaspoon at a time or your stew may become goopy.

To thicken your stew with cornflour, first, mix one teaspoon of cornflour with a tablespoon of room-temperature water. Then, add the mixture to your stew. Finally, bring your stew to a boil and cook it until you reach your desired thickness.

You should use cornflour to thicken your stew towards the end of cooking. Cooking cornflour for too long can break down the starch and your stew will thin out again.

Add okra

Okra is a popular ingredient in Brunswick stew, a classic Southern dish. It is often included in the stew alongside other vegetables such as corn, lima beans, and potatoes.

Okra is known for its ability to thicken stews and soups due to its sticky texture. When added to Brunswick stew, it can help give the dish a thicker consistency.

To add okra to your Brunswick stew, simply include it in the list of ingredients that you add to your slow cooker or pot. Fresh, frozen, or sliced okra can be used, depending on your preference and availability.

If you are using fresh okra, you will need about one cup of sliced okra. Frozen okra is also a convenient option, with most recipes calling for around 1-2 cups of frozen sliced okra.

In addition to its thickening properties, okra also adds a unique texture and flavour to the stew. It is a versatile ingredient that can be included in various types of Brunswick stew, whether you prefer a traditional Virginia-style or Georgia-style recipe.

So, if you're looking to add a Southern twist to your Brunswick stew and make it thicker, okra is a great ingredient to include!

Reduce liquid content

If your Brunswick stew is too thin, you can reduce the liquid content by cooking it for longer without a lid. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate, helping to thicken the stew.

• Cook the stew over a higher heat, stirring frequently, to evaporate some of the liquid.
• If you're using canned vegetables, try draining them before adding them to the stew.
• Add more solid ingredients, such as shredded chicken or potatoes, to absorb some of the liquid.
• If you're using a slow cooker, take the lid off and turn the heat up to high for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• If you're in a hurry, you could try adding a slurry of cornstarch and water to the stew. First, mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir this into the stew and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

Simmer uncovered

If your Brunswick stew is too thin, there are several ways to thicken it. One way is to simply let it simmer uncovered for a while, which will allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the stew to reduce. However, this will also concentrate the flavour, so be careful not to overdo it.

If your stew is still too thin, you can add an ingredient that will thicken the liquid without affecting the flavour. Some common options include:

• Flour: This can be added directly to the meat as it's being fried, or mixed with a little cold water to make a "slurry" before being added to the stew.
• Cornflour or cornstarch: Mix with water to make a paste, then add to the stew.
• Arrowroot: This has a more neutral flavour than cornstarch and can be used at varying temperatures.
• Breadcrumbs or pieces of bread: Stir into the stew and let them soak up some of the liquid.
• Mashed potatoes: Remove some potatoes from the stew and mash them, then add back to the stew.
• Oats: Stir a tablespoon into the broth and wait a few minutes to see if the liquid thickens.
• Roux: Mix equal parts butter and flour in a saucepan and heat, then add to the stew.
• Flour paste: Mix equal parts flour and water to create a paste, then add small amounts to the stew.

Frequently asked questions