Hawkins Family Brunswick Stew

Prep: 60 min Cook: 180 min Cuisine: American

Hearty Brunswick stew combining tender chicken, pork, and fresh vegetables, seasoned with Worcestershire and Tabasco, perfect for a comforting family meal or gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3 whole chickens
  • 1 (2 1/2 lb.) pork roast
  • 2 (1 lb.) cans peeled tomatoes
  • 1 (1 lb.) can tomato puree
  • 6 large potatoes, diced
  • 1 large can tomato sauce
  • 2 bags frozen baby lima beans
  • 3 cans corn
  • 1 large bag frozen corn
  • 6 medium onions, chopped
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Tabasco sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook the whole chickens until the meat separates from the bone.
  2. Remove the bones and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Reserve all the chicken stock.
  4. Allow the stock to cool, then skim off some grease from the top.
  5. Cook the pork roast and break apart the meat.
  6. Add the chicken and pork to the stock and heat through.
  7. Add peeled tomatoes, tomato puree, and water as necessary.
  8. Add diced potatoes, chopped onions, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce to taste.
  9. Add frozen baby lima beans and whole corn (canned or frozen).
  10. Add creamed corn last, then adjust with more water and tomato sauce to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves during cooking. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meats with mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable stock. For a thicker stew, mash some of the potatoes and stir them back in. Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of Tabasco sauce to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty Brunswick stew with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with So Good Potatoes for a satisfying dinner. For a complete spread, consider adding a simple salad or coleslaw as a refreshing side. It's perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the stew to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to restore the desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hawkins Family Brunswick Stew contains roughly 1205 calories, with 56g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), and protein (113% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

1205 kcal 60% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 56.5g 100% DV
Total Fat 40.9g 52% DV
Carbs 167g 61% DV
Fiber 37.1g 100% DV
Sugar 30g 60% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 4035.8mg 86% DV
Cholesterol 93mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 276.7mcg 31% DV
Vitamin C 117.7mg 100% DV
Calcium 171.8mg 13% DV
Iron 12mg 66% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meats first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender meat.

What can I use instead of frozen lima beans?

If you can't find frozen lima beans, you can substitute them with canned green beans or peas for a similar texture. Alternatively, fresh beans can be used if available, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this stew?

The level of spiciness depends on how much Tabasco sauce you add. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adjusting to your preference. The Worcestershire sauce adds depth without too much heat, making it customizable for all palates.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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