Mamma Kelly'S Brunswick Stew
A hearty Southern stew packed with meats, fresh vegetables, and bold flavors, perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing leftovers for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1 hog head ⓘ
- 2 hens
- 4 lb hamburger ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 8 ounces chili sauce ⓘ
- 10 ounces catsup ⓘ
- 12 tomatoes ⓘ
- 4 cups butter beans ⓘ
- 4 cups English peas ⓘ
- 3 cups snap beans ⓘ
- 10 cups Niblets corn ⓘ
- 10 cups vegetable soup ⓘ
- 4 okra ⓘ
- 1 peck Irish potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 peck onion ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook hog head and hens; grind meat.
- Cook hamburger, stirring to crumble.
- Drain the cooked meats.
- Peel, dice, salt, and cook potatoes and onions.
- Drain all vegetables including potatoes and onions, as well as soup and tomatoes.
- Combine all ingredients with salt and pepper to taste in a large heavy pot.
- Bring to a boil on medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Turn heat down; stir and simmer until stew is thick and flavors are well mixed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. If hog head is not available, you can substitute with shredded pork or even beef brisket. For a vegetarian version, use a mix of mushrooms and tempeh in place of meat. Ensure to adjust seasonings accordingly, especially if using store-bought broth or sauces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mamma Kelly's Brunswick Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions. It pairs beautifully with Delightful Greens or cornbread for a hearty meal. For a complete feast, consider serving alongside a salad or some crusty bread. This stew also makes a great filling for a savory pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the stew in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mamma Kelly'S Brunswick Stew contains roughly 700 calories, with 34g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), iron (84% of the Daily Value), and protein (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1331mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
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 use other meats in this stew?
Absolutely! While this recipe traditionally uses hog head and hens, you can easily substitute with any combination of meats such as beef, pork, or turkey. Just ensure the meats are cooked thoroughly and shredded before combining with the rest of the ingredients.
How thick should the stew be?
The stew should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still soupy. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to allow the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken.
What can I serve with Brunswick stew?
Brunswick stew is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with cornbread, biscuits, or a side of coleslaw for some crunch. For a lighter side, consider a garden salad or roasted vegetables to complement the rich flavors of the stew.
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).