I don’t know about you guys, but food memories are the ones my brain holds on to for the longest. I can’t remember names, places, or dates to save my life. When I think back on a vacation I went on years ago, chances are that the only thing I remember about it is the food we ate. Food sticks with me!
I remember going to Mrs. Wilke’s Boarding House on a family trip to Savannah when I was in elementary school. The restaurant only serves its food one way: family style. If you have a party less than 10, then you get seated at a large table with strangers. I remember it being a very bizarre but amazing way to have a meal. There was fried chicken, greens, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and any other Southern dish you could imagine. But the one thing I remember the taste of most of all was this incredible stew they served as a side dish.
I’ve been meaning to make this stew for YEARS! When I looked it up a few days ago to make for Sunday dinner today, I was a bit dismayed at the ingredient list. It involves 1 1/2 cups of ketchup (which, if you used store-bought ketchup, would amount to 96 grams of sugar and 3,840 milligrams of sodium in the recipe) and 1/2 cup of pork or bacon drippings. My oh my oh my. Or as they would say in Savannah… great time of day. As you can imagine, I had to make many tweaks to this recipe to make it something I felt comfortable eating and feeding to my husband. For one I made homemade ketchup, which is an easy and natural alternative to the stuff in the store. I left out the bacon fat, added in some veggies, and got this delicious dish that takes me right back to that giant table at Savannah.
Brunswick Stew
by
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Keywords: soup/stew entree Southern
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. ketchup (homemade is best!)
- 1/2 c. your favorite BBQ sauce
- 1/4 c. vegetable stock
- 1 1/2 lbs. cooked, diced chicken (optional)
- 1 1/2 c. cooked, diced potatoes
- 1 1/2 c. frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 T. worcestire sauce
- 2 t. garlic powder
- 1 14 oz. can of creamed corn
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a pot on medium-low heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and add salt and pepper as necessary.
The ingredients seem weird but I cannot explain the deliciousness it makes when combined. It’s rich and complex and humble and totally amazing.
Make it! Soon.
Thanks for reading! It’s Downton Abbey time.
-Lauren
Emily
Yum! I definitely need to try this soon. I’ve gone on a strict– “you’re going to law school and need to save as much money as you possibly can” — budget. So meal planning is a must. I may get you to help me with some tips girly.