Brunswick Stew is a hearty, flavorful dish that originated in the American South, known for its rich combination of meats, vegetables, and a savory barbecue sauce. With its history tracing back to the early 1800s, this stew has become a favorite for large gatherings, including church potlucks, family reunions, and community events. Cooking for 50 people can be a daunting task, but with the right recipes and preparation, you can make this beloved dish that will satisfy a crowd. Here are five Brunswick Stew recipes designed to serve 50 guests, each with a unique twist to cater to different tastes.
1. Traditional Brunswick Stew
Ingredients:
- 15 lbs pork shoulder
- 10 lbs chicken (mix of thighs and breasts)
- 5 lbs lima beans (fresh or frozen)
- 10 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
- 5 lbs corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 lbs okra, sliced
- 3 gallons of chicken stock
- 5 lbs onions, chopped
- 4 lbs tomatoes, chopped (canned or fresh)
- 2 gallons barbecue sauce
- 1⁄2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1⁄2 cup hot sauce (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Start by seasoning and cooking the meats. Brown the pork in large pots, then add chicken, and cook until done. Shred the meats once cooled.
- In the same pots, sauté onions until translucent, then add tomatoes and cook until they break down.
- Add the stock, shredded meats, lima beans, potatoes, corn, and okra. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, and hot sauce. Reduce heat and let the stew simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjust flavors as needed.
🔖 Note: For a thicker stew, you can mix in a slurry made from cornstarch and water.
2. Vegan Brunswick Stew
Ingredients:
- 20 lbs plant-based meat substitute
- 10 lbs jackfruit, shredded
- 10 lbs mushrooms, sliced
- 20 lbs potatoes, diced
- 10 lbs corn
- 10 lbs lima beans
- 10 lbs tomatoes, chopped
- 5 lbs onions, chopped
- 5 lbs carrots, diced
- 3 gallons vegetable broth
- 2 gallons of vegan BBQ sauce
- Seasonings: paprika, liquid smoke, vegan Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper
Preparation:
- Sauté onions, carrots, and mushrooms until caramelized.
- Add jackfruit and plant-based meat substitute, cooking until browned.
- Incorporate tomatoes, broth, and all vegetables. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Mix in BBQ sauce, liquid smoke, and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for several hours to let the flavors meld.
🍄 Note: Liquid smoke adds a smoky flavor, perfect for mimicking traditional Brunswick Stew.
3. Spicy Brunswick Stew
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this recipe incorporates several spicy elements to give your Brunswick Stew a fiery kick.
Ingredients:
- Quantities are similar to the Traditional Brunswick Stew with:
- 2 lbs jalapeños, diced
- 5 cups hot chili sauce
- Additional hot sauce
Preparation:
- Follow the preparation steps of the Traditional recipe, adding jalapeños with the onions and incorporating hot chili sauce and extra hot sauce for desired heat.
- Adjust the level of spice according to taste.
🌶️ Note: Start with less hot sauce and increase to taste, keeping in mind the stew's heat intensifies over time.
4. Seafood Brunswick Stew
This unique version swaps out traditional meat for a variety of seafood, offering a coastal twist.
Ingredients:
- 20 lbs mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, fish)
- 10 lbs scallops
- 15 lbs potatoes
- 5 lbs corn
- 5 lbs lima beans
- 5 lbs okra
- 3 gallons seafood stock
- 2 gallons tomato-based seafood sauce or barbecue sauce with a seafood twist
- Fresh herbs like dill and parsley
Preparation:
- Begin with onions, garlic, and okra in a large pot. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add potatoes, corn, and lima beans, then pour in the seafood stock and bring to a boil.
- Incorporate seafood one at a time, starting with the fish, then crab, followed by shrimp, and finally scallops, ensuring not to overcook the seafood.
- Stir in tomato-based sauce and herbs. Simmer until flavors are well integrated.
🐟 Note: Seafood can cook quickly, so add it towards the end of the stew's simmering time.
5. Instant Pot Brunswick Stew
Want to make Brunswick Stew in a shorter time? Here’s an Instant Pot version!
Ingredients:
- Ingredients are the same as for the Traditional Brunswick Stew but scaled down for quicker cooking.
Preparation:
- Brown meats in batches using the sauté function, remove and set aside.
- Use the sauté function to cook onions and tomatoes, then add all vegetables, cooked meat, and stock.
- Close the lid, set to pressure cook on high for 20 minutes, then quick release.
- Add barbecue sauce, adjust seasoning, and cook for another 10 minutes in sauté mode.
🔌 Note: Ensure not to overfill the Instant Pot; split into batches if necessary for optimal cooking.
To wrap up, Brunswick Stew is not only delicious but also a versatile dish that can be tailored to different dietary preferences and taste profiles. Each of these five recipes offers a unique take on the classic, ensuring there's something for everyone, whether it's the traditional meat lovers, spice enthusiasts, seafood lovers, or those seeking a vegan or quick-cook option. By following these recipes, you'll be able to serve a memorable meal for 50 guests, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the South.
Can Brunswick Stew be prepared in advance?
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Yes, Brunswick Stew can be made ahead of time. In fact, many believe it tastes better the next day as flavors have more time to meld. Refrigerate it and reheat before serving, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How do you thicken Brunswick Stew?
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To thicken Brunswick Stew, you can use a slurry made from cornstarch or flour mixed with water, or let the stew simmer longer, which will reduce the liquid content naturally. Another option is to blend some of the cooked vegetables and return them to the pot.
What sides go well with Brunswick Stew?
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Common sides include cornbread, hushpuppies, coleslaw, or a simple salad. These sides complement the stew’s flavors and help to round out the meal with different textures and flavors.
Can you make Brunswick Stew vegetarian or vegan?
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Absolutely. Substitute traditional meats with plant-based options like jackfruit or mushrooms. Use vegetable stock in place of chicken or beef stock, and ensure all sauces are vegan-friendly.
Is it necessary to use barbecue sauce in Brunswick Stew?
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Barbecue sauce is a traditional component of Brunswick Stew, providing a tangy, smoky flavor. However, if you prefer not to use it, you can achieve similar flavors by adding tomato paste, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of liquid smoke.
