Rainy day in Georgia so pulled out 2lbs of smoked pulled pork and 1lb of pulled smoked chicken for Brunswick Stew. Going to complement it with some jalapeños cheddar cornbread. Yep, life is good.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they soften, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Base Ingredients

Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Add the Smoked Meats and Vegetables

Add the pulled pork and pulled chicken to the pot, along with the corn and lima beans (if using). Stir everything together and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 30-45 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken. Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

4. Prepare the Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

While the stew is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños.

5. Bake the Cornbread

Pour the cornbread batter into a greased baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool slightly before slicing.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the Brunswick Stew into bowls and serve it hot with a slice of jalapeño cheddar cornbread on the side. The slightly spicy cornbread pairs beautifully with the smoky, savory stew, making each bite a comforting delight.

Tips for the Best Brunswick Stew and Cornbread

• Use High-Quality Smoked Meat: The depth of flavor in this stew relies heavily on the quality of the smoked pork and chicken.
• Simmer Slowly: The longer the stew simmers, the richer the flavors become, so take your time.
• Adjust the Heat: Add more jalapeños to the cornbread if you like it extra spicy, or leave them out for a milder version.
• Freeze Leftovers: Brunswick Stew freezes well, so store any leftovers for a quick, ready-made meal later.

Conclusion

Brunswick Stew with Smoked Pulled Pork and Chicken, paired with jalapeño cheddar cornbread, is the ultimate comfort food for a rainy day. This hearty stew, brimming with smoky flavors and Southern charm, will quickly become a favorite at your table. So, next time the weather has you craving something cozy, pull out your smoked meats, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this satisfying, flavorful meal. Life really is good when you have a bowl of Brunswick Stew to warm you up!