17 Southern Black Folk Recipe For Brunswick Stew Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 9, 2024
Southern black folk have a rich and diverse culinary history, with recipes passed down from generation to generation. One such recipe that has stood the test of time is the famous Brunswick stew. This hearty and flavorful dish has become a staple in Southern cooking, with variations found in different regions and families. But what exactly is Brunswick stew and what makes it a beloved dish among the black community? Let's dive in and explore the origins and ingredients of this beloved recipe.
Hopping John Soup (Black-eyed Pea, Ham, and Collard...
Main Ingredients: Onion, Celery, Olive Oil, Minced Garlic, Ham, Homemade
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful soup that combines classic Southern ingredients, look no further than this Hopping John Soup. Made with black-eyed peas, ham, and collard greens, this dish is a staple in many Southern households, especially around New Year's Day. It's believed that eating black-eyed peas on New Year's will bring good luck and prosperity, making this soup the perfect way to start off the year.
The flavors in this soup are rich and complex, thanks to the combination of ingredients. The black-eyed peas add a nutty and earthy flavor, while the ham adds a salty and savory element. The collard greens bring a slight bitterness to balance out the flavors. And the addition of bacon adds a smoky and indulgent touch to the dish.
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cooking, and for good reason. These little legumes are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a popular choice for many dishes. In this recipe, the black-eyed peas are cooked with onion, garlic, and ham hock, creating a delicious and hearty side dish that pairs well with any Southern meal.
What's great about this dish is that it can be made in a variety of ways. Some prefer to cook the peas with bacon for added smokiness, while others like to add collard greens for a more veggie-packed version. No matter how you make it, these Southern black-eyed peas are sure to be a hit at any meal.
When it comes to classic Southern comfort food, chicken and dumplings is at the top of the list. This simple yet satisfying dish is made with tender pieces of chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich and creamy broth. It's the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day or to soothe your soul when you're feeling under the weather.
While there are many variations of this dish, the Southern version typically includes a thyme and rosemary infused broth, giving the dish a delicious and aromatic flavor. And the dumplings are made with a combination of flour, baking powder, and milk, creating a light and fluffy texture that's perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth.
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Southern Chicken and Corn Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic
This Southern-style corn chowder is a twist on the classic New England version. It's made with corn, potatoes, and chicken, creating a hearty and flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly night. The addition of bacon adds a smoky and indulgent touch, while the thyme and bay leaves add a delicious herbal flavor.
The key to making this chowder is to let the flavors develop by simmering it for at least an hour. This allows the corn and potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld together. And don't forget to top it off with some shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy and cheesy finish.
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Southern Succotash Stew
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Baby Lima Beans, Vegetables, Okra, Green
Succotash is a classic Southern dish that features a combination of lima beans, corn, and sometimes okra. In this stew, these ingredients are cooked with bacon, onion, and chicken to create a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for a family dinner. The addition of tomatoes adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance out the flavors.
This stew is best served with a side of cornbread to soak up all the delicious juices. And if you want to make it a bit healthier, you can substitute the bacon for smoked turkey for a leaner protein option.
Brunswick stew is a popular dish in the Southern states, and each region has its own unique twist on the recipe. But one thing remains the same: the combination of pork, chicken, corn, and tomatoes creates a delicious and hearty stew that's perfect for a crowd. This version also includes lima beans and okra, giving it a Southern touch.
The key to making this stew is to let it simmer for a few hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. And feel free to add in your own favorite veggies, like carrots or squash, for a more personalized touch.
Cabbage might not be the most glamorous vegetable, but in this Southern-style soup, it becomes the star. This dish is made with cabbage, potatoes, and sausage, creating a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for a cold day. The addition of chicken broth adds a rich and savory flavor, while the bay leaves and thyme add a delicious herbal note.
This soup is also great for meal prep, as it can be made in large batches and frozen for later use. And if you want to make it a bit healthier, you can substitute the sausage for ground turkey or vegetarian sausage.
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Slow-Cooker Southern Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Onions, Garlic, Cajun Seasoning, Chicken
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cooking, but they often take a while to cook. That's why this slow-cooker version is a game-changer. Simply throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it cook for 8 hours, resulting in a delicious and flavorful soup that's perfect for a busy weeknight.
This soup is made with black-eyed peas, ham, onion, and tomatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. And if you want to add in some extra veggies, feel free to toss in some carrots and celery for a more well-rounded dish.
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Easy Chicken and Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Stock, Carrots, Yellow Onion, Celery
If you love chicken and dumplings but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this easy recipe is for you. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love. The key to this dish is using rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein option.
The dumplings in this recipe are made with biscuit dough, making them soft and fluffy. And the addition of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary adds a delicious and aromatic flavor to the dish.
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Chicken and Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Water, Celery, Carrot, Onion, Chicken Bouillon
This classic Southern dish is a must-try for any comfort food lover. The chicken is cooked in a rich and hearty broth with carrots, celery, and onion, creating a flavorful base for the dish. The dumplings are made with a combination of flour, milk, and butter, creating a soft and tender texture that's perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth.
While this dish does take some time to make, it's well worth the effort. And if you have any leftovers, it's even more delicious the next day.
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Southern Black Eyed Peas with Leeks, Tomatoes (Vegan)
Main Ingredients: Leek, Minced Garlic, Dry White Wine, Salt, Ground Black
For all the vegans out there, this Southern black-eyed pea recipe is for you. Made with leeks, tomatoes, and black-eyed peas, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. The leeks add a delicious and slightly sweet flavor, while the tomatoes add a touch of acidity and sweetness.
This dish can be served as a side dish or as a main course, depending on your preference. And if you want to add in some extra protein, you can top it off with some tofu or tempeh.
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Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Butter, Cream Of
This crockpot version of chicken and dumplings is perfect for a busy day when you don't have time to stand over the stove. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it cook for 6-8 hours, resulting in a delicious and comforting meal that requires minimal effort.
The key to making this dish in the crockpot is using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which will become tender and flavorful after cooking for several hours. And the addition of frozen peas and carrots adds a touch of color and nutrition to the dish.
This Southern-style chicken and dumplings recipe is a bit different from the classic version. Instead of using dumplings made from scratch, this recipe calls for refrigerated biscuit dough, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal. The chicken is cooked in a rich and flavorful broth with onion, garlic, and thyme, creating a delicious base for the dish.
This dish is best served with a side of green beans or collard greens for a complete Southern meal.
Pinto beans are a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe is a delicious and simple way to enjoy them. The beans are cooked with bacon, onion, and garlic, creating a flavorful and filling side dish that pairs well with any Southern meal. And the addition of jalapeno adds a touch of heat and spice to the dish.
This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker for added convenience. Simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it cook for 6-8 hours, resulting in a delicious and hassle-free dish.
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Brunswick Stew
Main Ingredients: Shredded Cooked Pork, Frozen Corn Kernels, Baby Lima
This Brunswick stew recipe is a true Southern classic. Made with a combination of pork, chicken, corn, and tomatoes, this hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for a cold day. The addition of smoked paprika and thyme adds a delicious smoky and herbal flavor to the dish.
This stew can also be made in large batches and frozen for later use, making it a great option for meal prep. And feel free to add in your own favorite veggies, like green beans or potatoes, for a more personalized touch.
For a seafood twist on classic Southern stew, this salmon stew is a must-try. Made with salmon fillets, potatoes, and corn, this dish is packed with protein and flavor. The addition of cajun seasoning adds a touch of heat and spice, making it a great option for those who love a little kick in their food.
This stew is best served with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious juices. And if you're not a fan of salmon, you can easily substitute it with another type of fish, like tilapia or cod.
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Southern Style Corn Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Finely Chopped Onions, Carrots, Chopped Celery
If you love corn, then you'll love this Southern-style corn chowder. Made with corn, potatoes, and bacon, this soup is hearty, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting. The addition of thyme and garlic adds a delicious herbal flavor, while the heavy cream makes it rich and creamy.
This chowder is also a great way to use up leftover grilled corn, giving it an extra smoky and charred flavor. And if you want to make it a bit healthier, you can substitute the bacon for smoked turkey or vegetarian bacon.
This old-fashioned version of chicken and dumplings is a true Southern classic. The chicken is cooked with onion, celery, and carrots, creating a flavorful and rich broth. The dumplings are made with a combination of flour, milk, and butter, creating a soft and tender texture that's perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth.
This dish takes some time to make, but the end result is well worth it. And if you have any leftovers, they can be easily reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Southern Minestrone
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Medium Yellow Onion, Medium Carrots
Minestrone is a classic Italian soup, but this Southern version puts a twist on the traditional recipe. Made with collard greens, black-eyed peas, and potatoes, this soup is packed with Southern flavor and nutrition. The addition of Italian sausage adds a touch of heat and spice, making it a heartier and more satisfying dish.
This soup is also a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand. Simply toss them in with the other ingredients for a more colorful and well-rounded dish.
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Southern Collard Green Potato Stew
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onions, Celery, Green Bell Peppers, Minced
If you're a fan of collard greens, then you'll love this stew. Made with potatoes, collard greens, and smoked turkey, this dish is full of flavor and nutrients. The addition of apple cider vinegar adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance out the flavors.
This stew is best served with a side of cornbread for a classic Southern meal. And if you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily omit the turkey and add in some extra veggies or vegetarian sausage instead.
The Origins of Brunswick Stew
The Debate on its Origin
There is much debate on where and how Brunswick stew originated. Some believe it was first created in Brunswick County, Virginia, while others claim it was first made in Brunswick, Georgia. However, most agree that it was created by Native Americans and adopted by settlers in the South. The exact origins may be unclear, but one thing is for sure, Brunswick stew has become an iconic dish in Southern cuisine.
The Role of Black Folk in its Creation
During the 19th century, Brunswick stew was a popular dish among black folk, who used their resourcefulness and creativity to make it with whatever ingredients were available. As slaves, they often had to make do with what they had, and this led to the incorporation of various meats, vegetables, and seasonings in the stew. This improvisation and innovation from black folk have played a significant role in shaping the recipe we know and love today.
The Ingredients of Brunswick Stew
The Base of the Stew
Traditionally, Brunswick stew is made with a base of barbecue sauce, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. This creates a rich and tangy flavor that is unique to this dish. However, some variations use ketchup, mustard, or even Worcestershire sauce as the base. These additions can change the taste and color of the stew, but the essence of the dish remains the same.
The Meats and Vegetables
The meats used in Brunswick stew can vary, but the most common ones are chicken and pork. These meats are typically slow-cooked and then shredded, giving the stew a tender and juicy texture. Vegetables such as corn, lima beans, and potatoes are also essential ingredients in this dish. Some variations may also include okra, tomatoes, and even butterbeans.
The Secret Ingredient
What sets Brunswick stew apart from other stews is the addition of a secret ingredient - butter. Adding a generous amount of butter to the stew gives it a smooth and velvety texture, making it even more comforting and satisfying.
In Conclusion
Brunswick stew is more than just a recipe; it is a symbol of the resourcefulness and creativity of Southern black folk. It is a dish that has stood the test of time and has become a beloved tradition in many families. So the next time you enjoy a bowl of Brunswick stew, remember the history and the people behind this iconic dish.
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