Best 6 Williamsburg Brunswick Stew Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Virginia with Brunswick stew, a delectable dish steeped in rich history and diverse culinary influences. Originally a Native American creation, this hearty stew evolved into a symbol of unity and community in the 18th century when colonists and settlers gathered to share their unique cooking techniques and ingredients. Today, Brunswick stew embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality and comfort food, with variations found across the region. Discover the secrets behind this beloved dish as we explore two distinct recipes: the traditional Williamsburg Brunswick stew, bursting with tender meats and vegetables, and the Brunswick stew with chicken and dumplings, a delightful twist on the classic featuring fluffy dumplings that elevate the stew to a new level of satisfaction. Get ready to savor the flavors of tradition and experience the warmth of Southern cooking at its finest.

Let's cook with our recipes!

VIRGINIA BRUNSWICK STEW



Virginia Brunswick Stew image

A pride and joy of Virginia culture, Brunswick Stew is a Southern classic that has been enjoyed for hundreds of years!

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 slices (about 5 ⅓ oz) thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 onions, diced
4 cups chicken broth
2 medium russet potatoes (about 1 lb.), peeled and cut into ½-inch dice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 rotisserie chicken (about 3 lbs.), meat removed and chopped (about 4 cups)
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, NOT drained
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
2 cups fresh or frozen lima beans
2 cups fresh or frozen sliced okra (optional)
1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 more minutes. Add chicken broth and potatoes; bring to a boil. Boil until potatoes begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low. Stir in the tomato paste. Add chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, lima beans, okra (if using), brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Stir well.
  • Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The stew should be very thick. To thicken the stew, simmer uncovered. To thin, add more broth or water. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Ladle into bowls and serve!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 cup, Calories 133 kcal, Carbohydrate 22 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Sodium 259 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 2 g

WILLIAMSBURG BRUNSWICK STEW



Williamsburg Brunswick Stew image

Sorry, no pic because family ate it too fast! Adapted from an old Colonial Williamsburg recipe book from 1971. This soup is best made the day or evening before. I originally made this in soup pot on oven burner for years and have adapted here for 8 Quart electric pressure cooker as well. Notes for both included throughout. ...

Provided by Sanity Chek

Categories     Chicken Soups

Time 3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 5-6 lb roasting chicken (skin removed)
2 qt chicken stock. low sodium is fine if you require less salt.
2 can(s) (1 lb each) of diced tomatos
4 c corn kernels, frozen or fresh
2 c lima beans, frozen
2 large onions chopped (or buy pre-chopped)
3 medium potatoes diced (skin can be left on if thin-skinned)
2 c sliced okra (or green zucchini with skin left on)
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried thyme (or large sprig fresh)
2 clove garlic (large) chopped
1 large bay leaf (optional)
1 Tbsp sugar

Steps:

  • 1. Rinse chicken and cut in pieces so it can be submerged in broth for faster cooking. At most grocery stores they have a whole chicken cut in pieces, so you can buy that and save a step. Remove skin on all but the wings and you will have a really low-fat version of this soup. Make sure u remove the liver and gizzards and toss or use for something else. Note, you don't want boneless chicken because the flavor comes from the bones as well.
  • 2. Fill a large 8 Quart pot with 2 quarts of chicken broth and add chopped onions, chopped garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf and tomatoes. Simmer partially covered on medium for 1-1/2 hours. Note for a pressure cooker, cook for 10 minutes under pressure. The Soups & Stews button automatically defaults to 10 min. It will take about 10 min to heat up, so 20 min total for this first round.
  • 3. While chicken is cooking, clean and chop your potatoes. I used some fingerling potatoes and some of the purple ones available to add color and variation to the soup. Use what you like. Best if you don't use a baking potato, but a more waxy textured potato so it holds up while cooking for a long time. Set to side.
  • 4. Prepare your okra or zucchini. Don't slice too thin. I use small 1-inch thick zucchinis so i can just slice them once to speed up prep. Set aside
  • 5. After about 1-1.5 hours, remove chicken from the soup and debone quickly. You want it when the meat is falling easily from the bones. I use some tongs and a fork to do this quickly since it is hot. Or let cool a bit first. Return deboned chicken back to pot. If using a pressure cooker, do the same thing, but release the pressure immediately after 10 min and then debone.
  • 6. Add to the soup, all the veggies you prepped in step 3 and 4 plus the lima beans and corn. During this step also add the sugar.
  • 7. Cover and bring to a bubbling simmer and cook for 30 min on med-high. The goal here is to make sure the potatoes are cooked so a fork goes in easily. Then reduce to medium low and simmer for another hour, stirring occasionally. If using the pressure cooker, reseal and cook again for another 10 min under pressure. Release pressure exactly after 10 minutes. Open and stir ingredients and turn off pressure cooker. When either scenario above is complete, let cool covered and put in fridge for next day. I plan ahead and make room for the whole pot in fridge so i don't have much clean up until the next day either.
  • 8. Reheat soup and serve with hot buttermilk biscuits the following day. Alternative #2, serve with oyster crackers. Alternative #3. serve with a dollop of sour cream for those that like sour cream on everything, like me! Skip this alternative for dairy-free.

BRUNSWICK STEW



Brunswick Stew image

Brunswick stew dates back to the 1860s, when it was served as a complete meal. We now use it as an accompaniment to barbecues. It is delicious picnic fare when served with country ribs, coleslaw or potato salad. When I make this stew, I double the recipe and freeze small portions so we can enjoy it at several meals. -Alyce Ray, Forest Park, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h5m

Yield 6 quarts.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 pound bone-in pork loin chops
2 bone-in chicken breast halves, skin removed
1 pound beef top round steak, cut into bite-size pieces
6 cups water
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chopped onion
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
4 to 5 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
2 cans (15-1/4 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained
2 cans (14-3/4 ounces each) cream-style corn
1 cup dry bread crumbs, toasted
Salt and pepper to taste
Minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

  • Place the pork chops, chicken and round steak in a large Dutch oven; cover with water. Cover and cook for 1-1/2 hours or until meat is tender. , Strain stock into another large kettle; refrigerate overnight. Remove bones from meat; dice and place in a separate bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight. , The next day, skim fat from stock. Add the tomatoes, onion, tomato sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic and pepper sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes. , Add the kernel corn, cream-style corn and reserved meat; heat through. Stir in bread crumbs; season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 348mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

VIRGINIA'S BEST BRUNSWICK STEW



Virginia's Best Brunswick Stew image

Georgians and Virginians both claim that this stew originated in their respective town of Brunswick and Brunswick County. I may be a born and raised Virginia girl, but I'm offering this classic recipe for all of you to try. I've adapted it from vol. 2 of my Gourmet Slow-Cooker - you can throw it all in a crock pot, or follow my second step of browning for added flavor. Serve with a lighter red wine, like Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, or even a Cabernet Franc, and enjoy!

Provided by Lauren H

Categories     Stew

Time 6h25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 lb chicken, boneless and skinless (breast or thighs)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 (6 ounce) pork chops
1 yellow onion, sliced to your preference (I use thin slices, but thick or diced could work as well)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (can add more to get the "kick" you want)
16 ounces canned diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken stock or 1 cup water
1 (10 ounce) package frozen lima beans, thawed
1 (8 ounce) package corn kernels, thawed (can also use fresh)

Steps:

  • Combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a Ziploc bag; add the chicken pieces and shake until coated evenly.
  • Add the vegetable oil to a sauté pan on medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides, then add chicken and (not browned) pork chops to the crock pot.
  • Sauté the chopped onion in the oil and meat drippings until browned. Add to slow cooker.
  • Combine tomatoes, Worcestershire, and Tabasco; pour over meat.
  • Add the chicken stock/water to the crock pot.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender.
  • Add the lima beans and corn; continue cooking for another 1-2 hours until the vegetables are tender.
  • Remove chicken and pork from the crock pot; shred meat with two forks and return to stew.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 633.9, Fat 29.9, SaturatedFat 8, Cholesterol 111, Sodium 1115, Carbohydrate 52, Fiber 8.3, Sugar 7.9, Protein 40.9

BRUNSWICK STEW



Brunswick Stew image

This recipe has been in my family for many years, ever since we moved to Georgia over 30 years ago. It consists of chicken and salt pork with potatoes, beans and other vegetables. It's both hearty and delicious.

Provided by RENE1959

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Brunswick Stew Recipes

Time 3h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 ounces diced salt pork
2 pounds chicken parts
8 cups water
3 potatoes, cubed
3 onions, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped
2 cups canned whole kernel corn
1 (10 ounce) package frozen lima beans
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot over high heat, combine the salt pork, chicken and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
  • Remove chicken and allow to cool until easy to handle. Remove meat and discard the skin and bones. Chop meat into bite size pieces and return to the soup.
  • Add the potatoes, onions, tomatoes, corn, lima beans, Worcestershire sauce, salt and ground black pepper. Stir well and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 367.7 calories, Carbohydrate 25.9 g, Cholesterol 70.9 mg, Fat 17.1 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 27.9 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Sodium 495.9 mg, Sugar 4.1 g

INSTANT POT® BRUNSWICK STEW



Instant Pot® Brunswick Stew image

Brunswick stew is an Eastern NC favorite, made simple in the Instant Pot®!

Provided by Ross Iversen McLeod

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Chicken

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 (14.5 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
2 russet potatoes, peeled and diced, or more to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup diced onion
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons ketchup
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
2 (6 ounce) bone-in chicken breast halves
¼ teaspoon seasoned salt, or to taste
1 dash ground thyme
ground black pepper to taste
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
1 (10 ounce) package frozen baby lima beans
1 (10 ounce) package frozen sliced okra
¾ cup shredded cooked pork, or to taste

Steps:

  • Combine tomatoes, potatoes, chicken broth, onion, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, ketchup, and red pepper flakes in the pot of a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Lay chicken breasts on top; add seasoned salt, thyme, and black pepper. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 20 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
  • Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove lid.
  • Remove chicken from pot and set on a plate to cool. Place corn, lima beans, and okra into the pot and stir to combine.
  • Remove skin from chicken, shred the meat off the bones, and return to the pot. Add pork. Seal cooker; select low pressure and cook until vegetables are heated through, about 15 minutes. Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove lid.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312.2 calories, Carbohydrate 44.8 g, Cholesterol 48.9 mg, Fat 4.7 g, Fiber 7.3 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 941.5 mg, Sugar 10.6 g

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Meat: Use a combination of pork and beef for a flavorful stew. Pork shoulder and beef chuck roast are great options.
  • Brown the Meat: Browning the meat before stewing adds depth of flavor. Do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Use Quality Vegetables: Fresh vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to the stew. Choose firm veggies that can withstand long cooking times.
  • Add Seasonings and Spices: Brunswick stew is known for its unique blend of spices. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
  • Cook Low and Slow: Let the stew simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a richer flavor. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
  • Serve with Cornbread or Rice: Brunswick stew is traditionally served with cornbread or rice. These starchy sides help soak up the delicious gravy.

Conclusion:

Williamsburg Brunswick stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a chilly day. With its combination of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, it's sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're following a traditional recipe or experimenting with your own variations, you'll find that this stew is a true Southern classic. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a taste of history!

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