Brunswick Stew Recipe NC: Authentic Southern Flavor Guide

Brunswick Stew is a beloved Southern classic that perfectly captures the essence of comfort food. Originating from the Carolinas, this hearty stew is traditionally made with a combination of meats, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato base.

North Carolina’s take on Brunswick Stew is especially famous for its smoky, savory flavors and the perfect blend of ingredients that create a satisfying and filling meal. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or planning a family gathering, this Brunswick Stew recipe from NC will not disappoint.

It’s simple to make, full of robust flavors, and packed with wholesome ingredients that bring warmth to your table.

In this blog post, you’ll find a detailed recipe to create authentic North Carolina Brunswick Stew right in your kitchen. From the essential ingredients and equipment to step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, we’ve got you covered.

Plus, we’ll share some variations to tailor the stew to your taste and suggestions for side dishes that complement it perfectly. Let’s dive into making one of the South’s most cherished dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Brunswick Stew recipe is a true celebration of Southern cooking, combining tender meats, fresh vegetables, and a savory tomato broth into a single pot of deliciousness. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the meats or heat level to suit your preferences.

The stew simmers slowly, melding flavors beautifully, which means the longer you cook it, the better it tastes!

One of the best things about this recipe is how it brings people together—perfect for sharing at family dinners, potlucks, or even tailgates. Plus, with a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and spices, it’s not only comforting but also nourishing.

You’ll adore the smoky undertones and the slight sweetness from fresh corn and tomatoes, creating a well-rounded depth of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs shredded cooked chicken (preferably smoked or rotisserie)
• 1 lb pulled pork or smoked pork shoulder, shredded
• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 2 cups lima beans (fresh or frozen)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (North Carolina style preferred)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or bacon drippings
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 2 bay leaves

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large ladle
• Serving bowls
• Optional: slow cooker (if you prefer slow simmering)

Instructions

1. Prepare your meats. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken or pork, start by roasting or smoking the meats until tender. Shred the chicken and pulled pork into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the aromatics. In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil or bacon drippings over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the liquids and seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well to combine all the liquids with the onions and garlic.
4. Incorporate the vegetables and spices. Add the corn, lima beans, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the stew. Cover the pot partially and let everything simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
6. Add the shredded meats. Stir in the shredded chicken and pulled pork. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes until the meats are fully heated through and tender.
7. Adjust seasoning. Taste the stew and add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. Serve hot. Ladle the Brunswick Stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if you like.

Tips & Variations

“For an authentic smoky flavor, consider using smoked chicken or adding a splash of liquid smoke.”

If you want to make the stew even richer, try adding a few slices of cooked bacon or ham. You can also substitute the lima beans with butter beans or kidney beans depending on what you have on hand.

For a spicier version, increase the hot sauce and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, add diced potatoes or okra to bulk up the stew.

If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a few beans or vegetables against the side of the pot and stir them in to naturally thicken the broth.

Slow cooker option: Combine all ingredients except the meats in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the shredded meats in the last 30 minutes of cooking to warm through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Brunswick Stew is best enjoyed piping hot and pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides. Consider serving it alongside cornbread or warm buttermilk biscuits to soak up the delicious broth.

For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich stew beautifully. Collard greens or sautéed green beans also make excellent vegetable accompaniments.

If you’re looking to elevate your meal, try serving Brunswick Stew over steamed white rice or with a side of homemade pickles for added crunch and acidity.

Conclusion

This North Carolina Brunswick Stew recipe is a perfect example of Southern hospitality on a plate. With its smoky meats, fresh vegetables, and rich tomato base, it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort with every bite.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Southern cuisine, this stew is straightforward to make and infinitely adaptable.

Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal ready to share with family and friends. Remember, the beauty of Brunswick Stew lies in its slow-simmered flavor and satisfying texture – so take your time and enjoy the process.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Brunswick Stew Recipe NC”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty North Carolina classic stew made with a mix of meats, vegetables, and a tangy tomato base. Perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT2H”, “totalTime”: “PT2H20M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless”, “1 lb pork shoulder, diced”, “1 cup lima beans, fresh or frozen”, “1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 cups crushed tomatoes”, “2 cups chicken broth”, “2 tbsp apple cider vinegar”, “1 tbsp brown sugar”, “1 tsp smoked paprika”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brown the pork shoulder in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chicken thighs and cook until lightly browned.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in lima beans, corn, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove chicken, shred meat, and return to pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer an additional 10 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “35 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}