Brunswick Stew: Which Beans To Use?

Brunswick stew is a classic Southern dish with a thick tomato base, made with barbecue sauce and a mixture of meats and vegetables. The types of beans used in Brunswick stew are lima beans, butter beans, and baby lima beans.

Lima beans or butter beans

Lima beans and butter beans are the same thing. Both terms refer to the same species, Phaseolus lunatus. The two names are simply a result of geographical traditions and how your family and friends refer to them. People in the South tend to call them butter beans, especially when they’re fresh, whereas people are more likely to call them lima beans if they’re dried.

Lima beans were often disliked, so some semantics likely came into play to encourage people to eat them. They do have a creamy, buttery texture when they’re cooked, so “butter beans” is a fitting moniker. Lima beans, on the other hand, are named after the capital city of Peru, Lima, where they’ve been grown for more than 9,000 years.

Lima beans are a staple in Brunswick stew, a classic Southern dish. This thick stew is made with barbecue sauce and a mixture of leftover smoked and roasted meats like pork, chicken, and beef. It typically has corn, lima beans or butter beans, and a few simple spices to give it a touch of heat.

Brunswick stew is a versatile dish that can be made with different types of meat and vegetables. It can be frozen and reheated, making it a convenient option for busy days. The key to a delicious Brunswick stew is ensuring that it has a "smoky" and "sweet" flavour. The smokiness usually comes from the meat, and the sweetness from the addition of barbecue sauce.

Corn

In addition to its use in cooking, corn is also a popular food in its own right in the South, where it is often boiled or grilled and served with butter and salt. It is a popular summer treat, and it is also used in a variety of other dishes, such as corn salsa and corn salad.

Barbecue sauce

The two main types of barbecue sauce are tomato-based and vinegar-based. For Brunswick stew, a tomato-based sauce is the best option as it will help to thicken the stew and give it a rich, sweet flavour. However, if you prefer a more tangy taste, you can use a vinegar-based sauce instead. Just be aware that this will make the stew thinner and less hearty.

When it comes to choosing a specific barbecue sauce, there are a few popular options. Kraft Original is a good choice for a bottled sauce, as it has a smoky flavour that will enhance the other ingredients in the stew. If you're looking for something with a kick, try Bone Suckin' BBQ Sauce, which is North Carolina-made and has a thin consistency. For a ketchup-based sauce, Hey Grill Hey's Everything BBQ Sauce is a great option. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own sauce from scratch using a recipe like Kansas City BBQ Sauce.

The amount of barbecue sauce you use in your Brunswick stew is also important. If you're a fan of BBQ sauce, go ahead and add a generous amount to the pot. But if you're not sure, it's best to start with a smaller quantity and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more sauce, but you can't take it away once it's in the stew!

So, when making Brunswick stew, don't skimp on the barbecue sauce. It's an essential ingredient that will make your stew delicious and give it that authentic Southern flavour.

Tomatoes

Brunswick stew typically contains diced or crushed tomatoes, with some recipes calling for canned tomatoes or tomato puree. The tomatoes are added early in the cooking process and simmered until softened. They provide a tangy and savoury flavour to the stew, creating a rich base for the other ingredients.

Some recipes suggest blanching and peeling the tomatoes before adding them to the pot to avoid having floating tomato skins in the final dish. Using canned tomatoes or tomato puree can also help to achieve a smoother consistency.

The amount of tomatoes used can vary depending on taste and the size of the pot. Some recipes call for as little as one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, while others use up to three pounds of fresh plum tomatoes.

In addition to tomatoes, Brunswick stew typically includes a variety of beans, vegetables, and meats. It is often seasoned with barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and spices such as cayenne pepper and black pepper.

Potatoes

Brunswick stew is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. The base of the stew typically consists of diced or cubed potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. These ingredients are sautéed or simmered until tender, creating a flavourful foundation for the rest of the dish.

When adding potatoes to Brunswick stew, it is essential to cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Depending on the desired texture, the potatoes can be diced into small cubes or cut into larger chunks. It is also crucial to monitor the cooking time, as overcooking the potatoes can lead to a mushy consistency.

The potatoes in Brunswick stew absorb the rich flavours of the other ingredients, including the meat, beans, and seasonings. They provide a hearty and filling component to the dish, making it a satisfying meal. The potatoes' starch also helps to thicken the stew, contributing to its characteristic thick and rib-sticking consistency.

While potatoes are a common ingredient in Brunswick stew, some recipes may omit them or include other vegetables like okra, celery, or butter beans. However, potatoes remain a favourite among many cooks, adding substance and flavour to this iconic Southern dish.

Frequently asked questions