Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Southern United States! This Big Heats Brunswick Stew is not just a recipe; it's a legendary dish that combines hearty meats, vibrant vegetables, and generations of cooking tradition in one mouthwatering pot. Whether you're a comfort food enthusiast or a curious home chef, this stew promises to deliver an explosion of flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup lima beans
- 1 cup okra, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cook and shred the chicken if you haven't done so already. Slice the smoked sausage, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Measure out the corn, lima beans, okra, and diced tomatoes.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Next, add the sliced smoked sausage to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly and release its flavors.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the cooked and shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine with the sausage, onion, and garlic mixture.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), followed by the corn kernels, lima beans, and sliced okra. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, and add the Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful to start with a small amount of salt, as the sausage may already add some saltiness.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After 2 hours, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you desire a thicker stew, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Once the stew is ready, remove it from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
- Serve the Brunswick stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your hearty Southern meal!
Tips
- Use high-quality, smoky sausage to enhance the overall depth of flavor.
- Don't rush the simmering process - slow cooking allows ingredients to meld beautifully.
- For extra richness, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a small amount of cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Experiment with adding a splash of BBQ sauce for an extra layer of Southern authenticity.
- Serve with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
