Brunswick Stew: Meat, Veggies, And More

Brunswick stew is a thick, savoury dish that combines meat, vegetables, and a tomato base. It is a classic Southern dish that is often served with cornbread or biscuits. The stew is typically made with leftover meats such as chicken, pork, or beef, and vegetables such as corn, lima beans, and potatoes. The exact origin of the stew is disputed, with both Brunswick County, Virginia, and the city of Brunswick, Georgia, claiming to have created it. It is a versatile dish that can be customised to suit one's tastes and is perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Meats: chicken, pork, beef, squirrel, rabbit, or opossum

Brunswick stew is a Southern dish that features beans, vegetables, and meat in a tomato base. Early recipes for Brunswick stew often included meats such as squirrel, rabbit, or even opossum. The idea was to use whatever was local and easily available. These days, chicken, pork, and beef are the most common meats used in the stew.

Brunswick stew is thought to have originated in either Brunswick County, Virginia, or the city of Brunswick in Georgia, which is how it got its name. The specific origin of the stew is unknown, but it may have been created by a group of hunters who threw all their supplies into a pot and cooked the mixture over a slow fire.

Today, Brunswick stew is typically made with one or more types of meat. While chicken is now the most common meat used, you can also use pork, beef, or stick to the traditional small game meats such as squirrel, rabbit, or opossum. If you're using chicken, you can use a whole rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breasts or thighs. For pork, you can use pulled pork, smoked pork, or pork shoulder.

When preparing the meat for Brunswick stew, you can sear or smoke the meat beforehand, or cook it directly in the stew. If you're using raw meat, make sure to cook the stew long enough for the meat to become tender. If you're using leftover cooked meat, add it to the stew towards the end of cooking so it has time to heat through without overcooking.

Some recipes call for browning the meat in a pan before adding it to the stew, while others suggest cooking the meat directly in the stew pot. You can also use a combination of meats, such as both chicken and pork, to add more flavor to the dish.

Vegetables: corn, lima beans, okra, potatoes, onions, tomatoes

Brunswick stew is a tomato-based dish that is packed with vegetables. While recipes vary, the stew typically includes corn, lima beans, okra, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.

Corn is a staple in Brunswick stew, adding a touch of sweetness and a burst of colour to the dish. Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are another common ingredient, offering a creamy texture and a mild flavour. Okra, a popular vegetable in the Southern United States, is often included for its unique flavour and thickening properties.

Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be diced, sliced, or mashed and added to the stew. Onions, a member of the allium family, lend their savoury flavour and aroma to the dish. Tomatoes, with their tangy flavour, are usually the base of the stew, though some recipes call for tomato sauce or tomato paste.

While the specific combination of vegetables may vary, these six ingredients form the foundation of a delicious and hearty Brunswick stew.

Seasonings: cayenne pepper, brown sugar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme, garlic

Seasonings are essential to any dish, and Brunswick stew is no exception. While the exact blend of spices may vary from recipe to recipe, here are some common seasonings used in Brunswick stew:

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is a staple in many cuisines, including Brunswick stew. It adds a subtle kick and depth of flavour to the dish. The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, but it is typically used in small quantities to enhance the other flavours in the stew.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is a key ingredient in Brunswick stew, contributing to the characteristic sweet and smoky flavour profile. It pairs well with the barbecue sauce and tomatoes, creating a rich, tangy taste. The amount of brown sugar can be adjusted to suit personal preferences, but it is typically used sparingly to enhance the other flavours in the dish.

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a classic seasoning that adds a sharp, pungent flavour to the stew. It enhances the other ingredients without overwhelming them. Black pepper is commonly used in Brunswick stew to give it a subtle kick and depth of flavour.

Red Pepper Flakes

Red pepper flakes, also known as crushed red pepper, bring a mild heat and a subtle fruity flavour to the stew. They add a layer of complexity to the dish without making it too spicy. Red pepper flakes are commonly used in Brunswick stew to create a well-rounded, robust flavour profile.

Thyme

Thyme is an aromatic herb that adds a subtle, earthy flavour to the stew. It enhances the other ingredients without overpowering them. Thyme is commonly used in Brunswick stew to create a well-rounded, savoury taste.

Garlic

Garlic is a staple seasoning in many cuisines, including Brunswick stew. It adds a pungent, savoury flavour to the dish and pairs well with the other ingredients. Garlic can be used in its fresh, minced form or as a dried, ground spice. It is commonly sautéed along with onions to create a flavour base for the stew.

Sauces: barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce

Brunswick stew is a tomato-based dish that typically includes a mix of vegetables, beans, and meat. The exact ingredients and origin of the dish are disputed, but it is believed to have originated in the American South, with both Brunswick County, Virginia, and the city of Brunswick, Georgia, claiming it as their own.

The sauces used in Brunswick stew can vary, but some common options include barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Here is some more information on each of these sauces and their role in the dish:

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce is a key ingredient in Brunswick stew, giving it a savoury and smoky flavour. It is typically made with a tomato or ketchup base, combined with spices, vinegar, and sweetening agents like brown sugar or molasses. The sauce can be store-bought or made from scratch, and its thick consistency helps give the stew a hearty texture.

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is another important component of Brunswick stew, as the dish is traditionally tomato-based. Canned diced tomatoes or tomato paste are often used, adding a tangy flavour to the stew. The tomatoes are usually cooked down with other ingredients to create a rich, savoury base.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is used in Brunswick stew to add a kick of spice and heat. The type of hot sauce can vary according to taste, from a few dashes of a mild variety to something spicier like cayenne pepper sauce. It is typically added in small quantities to enhance the other flavours in the dish without overwhelming them.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a common addition to Brunswick stew. It is a savoury and slightly tangy condiment made with a blend of spices, vinegar, and anchovies, giving it a unique flavour profile. Worcestershire sauce enhances the other ingredients, adding depth and a subtle tanginess to the stew.

The combination of these sauces and other ingredients creates a flavourful, hearty stew that is perfect for a comforting meal. While the specific ingredients may vary from recipe to recipe, the use of these sauces helps to define the character and taste of Brunswick stew.

Accompaniments: cornbread, biscuits, coleslaw, pickles, or a salad

Cornbread

A staple at many dinners, cornbread is a type of quick bread that does not require time for the dough to rise before baking. It is made with cornmeal, which gives it its distinct colour and texture, as well as other ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, and milk. The beauty of cornbread is that it can be easily customised to your taste preferences. For example, you can reduce the amount of sugar if you don't like your cornbread too sweet, or use alternative milk. You can also add toppings such as cheese to the basic recipe.

Biscuits

In the United States, biscuits are a variety of baked bread with a firm, dry exterior and a soft, crumbly interior. They are usually made with baking powder as a leavening agent and are often served with butter or other condiments. Like cornbread, biscuits are a type of quick bread. A typical recipe includes baking powder or baking soda, flour, salt, shortening or butter, and milk or buttermilk. You can flavour biscuits with other ingredients such as cheese.

Coleslaw

A classic side dish at picnics and barbecues, coleslaw is made with freshly shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy, tangy, and sweet homemade dressing. You can use a mix of red and green cabbage for a colourful crunch, and add in peeled and shredded carrots for extra colour and texture. The dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and black pepper. You can adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences. For example, if you prefer your coleslaw more tangy, you can reduce the amount of sugar.

Pickles

Pickles are a delicious snack or sandwich topping and can be easily made at home. You will need cucumbers, garlic cloves, mustard seeds, peppercorns, fresh dill, vinegar, sugar, and salt. First, slice the cucumbers into quarters to make spears or thinly slice them horizontally to make chips. Then, fill your jars with the cucumbers and add the garlic, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and dill. Next, make the brine by heating vinegar, sugar, salt, and water on the stove, and pour it over the cucumbers in the jars. Finally, let the jars cool to room temperature and then chill them in the fridge for at least a day before serving.

Salad

A versatile side dish, salads can be customised with whatever greens, veggies, nuts, or dressing ingredients you have on hand. A simple salad can be made with spring greens, baby arugula, or mixed greens, as well as English cucumber, red onion, and pepitas or toasted pine nuts. You can also add in proteins such as chicken or shrimp, cheeses such as Parmesan or feta, and fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or radishes. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Frequently asked questions