Brunswick Soup: A Hearty Southern Comfort

Brunswick stew is a Southern dish with a tomato base, meat, and vegetables. It is often made with chicken and pork, but early recipes used small game meats like squirrel, rabbit, and even opossum. The dish is usually served with cornbread or biscuits and is perfect for using up leftover meat and vegetables.

The origins of Brunswick soup

The origins of Brunswick stew are disputed, with several places claiming to have created the dish.

The US states of Virginia and Georgia both claim the dish was born within their borders, with both Brunswick County in Virginia and the city of Brunswick in Georgia named after the German Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg.

A plaque on an old iron pot in Brunswick, Georgia, says the first Brunswick stew was made in it on July 2, 1898, on nearby St. Simons Island. However, a competing story claims a Virginia state legislator's chef invented the recipe in 1828 on a hunting expedition.

Writer Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings wrote in her 1942 book 'Cross Creek Cookery' that the stew may have originated in the German city of Braunschweig, one of the historic capitals of the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg.

According to the Virginia Writers Project's 1941 guide to Virginia, Brunswick stew was first concocted by a group of hunters who threw all their supplies into a pot and cooked the mixture over a slow fire. When their companions returned, cold and exhausted, they found the concoction a most appetizing dish.

The ingredients of Brunswick soup

Brunswick soup is a thick, tomato-based stew that is usually cooked with leftover meat and vegetables. The dish is highly customizable, with recipes varying greatly, but it traditionally includes squirrel or rabbit meat, or, more commonly today, chicken.

The soup's other ingredients typically include:

• Butter beans, lima beans, or butter beans
• Corn
• Okra
• Potatoes
• Onions
• Garlic
• Celery
• Chicken broth or stock
• Barbecue sauce
• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce, such as Tabasco
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper
• Diced tomatoes

Some recipes also include carrots, smoked meats, beef, or pork.

How to make Brunswick soup

Brunswick stew is a tomato-based stew that usually contains local beans, vegetables, and meat. It is a classic southern dish, often made with leftover meat and vegetables. Here is a recipe for how to make Brunswick stew:

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

• Melt butter or heat oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy stock pot over medium heat.
• Add onion and cook until soft.
• Add garlic and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients: chicken stock, tomatoes, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked meat, corn, lima beans, and salt and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Cook over medium-low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the desired consistency is reached.
• Serve with crusty bread, cornbread, or biscuits on the side.

Tips:

• You can use any combination of leftover meats, such as chicken, pulled pork, brisket, or ground beef.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more beans or vegetables.
• You can also add other vegetables like potatoes, celery, or okra.
• If you prefer a thinner stew, add more chicken stock or water.
• For a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• This stew freezes well, so you can make a large batch and save some for later.

What to serve with Brunswick soup

Brunswick stew is a hearty, savoury dish that is often served as a side at barbecues in the southern United States. It is typically served with cornbread or biscuits, and sometimes with coleslaw, fried okra, hushpuppies, or a salad.

The stew is a meal in itself, but if you're serving it to company or extended family, you might want to add some side dishes. Here are some suggestions:

• Cornbread muffins
• Sweet tea
• Pickles
• Coleslaw
• Southern fried apples
• Potato skins
• Pasta, grains, or rice
• Eggs
• Hushpuppies
• Sauteed spinach
• Fried okra

How to store Brunswick soup

Brunswick stew is a hearty meal, full of meat, vegetables, and flavour. It's a meal that can be frozen and stored for another day, so it's worth knowing how to store it properly. Here's a guide on how to store your Brunswick soup:

Storing in the Fridge

Allow your leftover Brunswick stew to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to four days when stored this way.

Freezing Brunswick Stew

You can also freeze Brunswick stew. It's a great way to make sure you don't waste any food and will mean you have a tasty meal ready to go whenever you need it. To freeze, let the stew cool completely and then store it in an airtight container, leaving a little space at the top to allow for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

Reheating

Brunswick stew can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove. Just make sure it's heated all the way through before serving.

Tips for Storing

• It's important to let your Brunswick stew cool down before storing it. This helps maintain the right temperature in your fridge or freezer and keeps the stew fresh.
• Make sure your container is airtight. This will ensure the stew stays fresh and doesn't dry out.
• If you're freezing the stew, it's a good idea to use a resealable bag and freeze it flat. This will save space in your freezer.
• You can also store individual portions in separate containers so you can easily take out a single serving to defrost and reheat.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your delicious Brunswick stew again and again!

Frequently asked questions