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🥣 North Carolina Brunswick Stew
Yield: 4 servings (16 oz each)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes🌾 Cultural Intro
Brunswick Stew is a Southern classic with roots claimed by both Virginia and Georgia, but North Carolina’s version leans into smoky barbecue flavors and a medley of garden vegetables. Originally made with squirrel or rabbit, today’s stew celebrates community, resourcefulness, and the bounty of late summer harvests. It’s a dish that tells stories—of backyard gatherings, church suppers, and smoky pit-side conversations.
North Carolina Brunswick Stew
🧂 Ingredients (Standard Measurements)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cooked pulled pork (smoked if possible)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or roasted)
1 ½ cups frozen corn
1 cup frozen lima beans
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup barbecue sauce (vinegar-based preferred)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for balance)
Juice of ½ lemon (to brighten)
🔥 Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil over medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
Add proteins: Stir in pulled pork and shredded chicken. Let them warm through and slightly caramelize.
Layer vegetables: Add corn, lima beans, and tomatoes. Stir to combine.
Build the base: Pour in tomato sauce, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, paprika, pepper, salt, and brown sugar.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Finish: Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.
🌟 Key Flavor Highlights
Smoky depth from pulled pork and paprika
Tangy brightness from vinegar-based BBQ sauce and lemon
Sweet-earthy balance from corn, lima beans, and brown sugar
Savory richness from tomato and Worcestershire layers
🤓 Fun Facts About the Ingredients
Lima beans were once called “butter beans” in the South and symbolize prosperity in some folk traditions.
Pulled pork is a nod to North Carolina’s pit-smoking legacy, often using hickory or oak.
Corn was a staple crop of Indigenous peoples and remains central to Southern cuisine.
🍽️ American Nutritional Facts (Per 16 oz Serving)
(Approximate values)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 380 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 850 mg |
Sugars | 10 g |
🧑🍳 Pro Tips
Use smoked meats for authentic depth—leftover BBQ works beautifully.
Simmer low and slow to meld flavors fully.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if it needs more tang.
🥦 Ingredient Substitutions for Other Diets
Vegetarian: Replace meats with smoked tempeh or jackfruit; use veggie broth.
Low-sodium: Use no-salt-added tomato products and broth; skip Worcestershire.
Gluten-free: Ensure BBQ sauce and Worcestershire are gluten-free certified.
Vegan: Use plant-based proteins and omit Worcestershire or use vegan alternative.
🌿 Garnishes to Elevate the Soup
Chopped fresh parsley or scallions
A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
Crushed cornbread croutons
A drizzle of hot sauce or smoked olive oil
🍷 Beverage Pairing Suggestions
Sweet tea for classic Southern charm
Dry rosé or Zinfandel to complement smoky notes
Amber ale or smoked porter for beer lovers
Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option