Effortless Instant Pot Brunswick Stew: A Flavor-Packed, One-Pot Wonder
Brunswick stew is a hearty, smoky, and slightly sweet stew that’s a beloved comfort food, particularly in the Southern United States. Traditionally, it requires hours of slow simmering, often in a massive cast iron pot over an open fire. But fear not! The Instant Pot makes this traditionally laborious dish incredibly easy and accessible, without sacrificing any of the authentic flavor. This recipe delivers a delicious, crowd-pleasing Brunswick stew in a fraction of the time, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of smoky, savory goodness that will warm you from the inside out.
What is Brunswick Stew?
Brunswick stew is a thick, tomato-based stew typically containing a variety of meats, most commonly chicken, pork, and sometimes even rabbit or squirrel (though we’ll stick with the more readily available options for this recipe!). The key is a combination of smoked meats and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, often featuring barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. Vegetables like corn, lima beans, potatoes, and okra also contribute to the stew’s rich texture and flavor.
There’s a long-standing debate about the true origins of Brunswick stew, with both Brunswick County, Virginia, and Brunswick County, North Carolina, laying claim to its creation. Regardless of its exact birthplace, one thing is certain: Brunswick stew is a delicious and deeply comforting dish that represents Southern culinary tradition.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Brunswick Stew?
The Instant Pot offers several advantages when making Brunswick stew:
* **Speed:** The biggest benefit is the drastically reduced cooking time. The pressure cooker function allows the flavors to meld together much faster than traditional simmering methods.
* **One-Pot Convenience:** You can brown the meats and cook the entire stew in a single pot, minimizing cleanup.
* **Tender Meat:** The pressure cooking process ensures the meat is incredibly tender and falls off the bone.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The sealed environment of the Instant Pot helps to concentrate the flavors, resulting in a richer and more flavorful stew.
* **Set-it-and-Forget-it:** Once everything is in the pot, you can set it and walk away, freeing you up to do other things.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Brunswick Stew
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Instant Pot Brunswick stew:
* **Meat:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 lb smoked pork shoulder (or pulled pork), shredded
* 1 lb smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 1 cup frozen lima beans
* 1 cup frozen okra (optional, but recommended)
* 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
* **Broth & Liquids:**
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* **Seasoning:**
* 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Optional Garnishes:**
* Chopped green onions
* Hot sauce
* Crackers or cornbread
Step-by-Step Instructions: Instant Pot Brunswick Stew Recipe
Follow these detailed instructions to make a perfect pot of Brunswick stew in your Instant Pot:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prep all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
* Chop the onion, bell peppers, and potato into uniform pieces.
* Mince the garlic.
* Slice the smoked sausage.
* Shred the smoked pork shoulder if you’re using a whole piece.
* Measure out all the spices and sauces.
**Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional, but Recommended)**
While this step is optional, searing the chicken thighs before pressure cooking adds a depth of flavor to the stew. It creates a beautiful brown crust that contributes to the overall richness.
1. Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil to the pot.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding).
4. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this point.
5. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**
Sautéing the onions and garlic releases their aromatic oils and creates a flavorful base for the stew.
1. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the Instant Pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. If the bottom of the pot starts to get too dry, add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits (this adds even more flavor!).
**Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients**
Now it’s time to layer in the remaining ingredients.
1. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, frozen corn, frozen lima beans, frozen okra (if using), and diced potato to the Instant Pot.
2. Return the seared chicken to the pot.
3. Add the shredded smoked pork and sliced smoked sausage.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
5. Add the smoked paprika, chili powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Step 5: Pressure Cook**
This is where the Instant Pot magic happens!
1. Stir all the ingredients together well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
3. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 25 minutes on high pressure.
4. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the timer starts counting down.
**Step 6: Natural Pressure Release (Recommended) or Quick Release**
Once the cooking time is up, you have two options for releasing the pressure:
* **Natural Pressure Release (NPR):** Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15-20 minutes. This method is recommended as it allows the stew to slowly depressurize, which can result in a more tender and flavorful final product. After 15-20 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by manually moving the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position.
* **Quick Release (QR):** Carefully move the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position to quickly release the pressure. Be cautious as steam will shoot out rapidly. Only use Quick Release if you’re short on time.
**Step 7: Shred the Chicken and Thicken (If Necessary)**
Once the pressure is fully released, carefully remove the lid.
1. Use two forks to shred the chicken thighs directly in the Instant Pot. They should be very tender and easy to shred.
2. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce to your liking.
3. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can thicken it in one of two ways:
* **Cornstarch Slurry:** In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the stew and turn the Instant Pot back on to the “Sauté” function. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the stew thickens.
* **Mash Some Potatoes:** Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the potatoes in the stew. This will release starch and naturally thicken the liquid.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**
Your Instant Pot Brunswick stew is now ready to be served! Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce (if desired). Serve with crackers, cornbread, or your favorite sides.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Instant Pot Brunswick Stew
* **Meat Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different meats. Turkey sausage, ham, or even venison can be substituted for the pork or chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Add other vegetables like green beans, butter beans, or chopped carrots. You can also use a can of mixed vegetables if you’re short on time.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level. If you’re sensitive to heat, omit it altogether. For a smokier flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke.
* **Sweetness:** Some people prefer a sweeter Brunswick stew. If you like, add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar or molasses to the pot.
* **Make it Ahead:** Brunswick stew is even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Freezing:** Brunswick stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Smoked Paprika is Key:** Don’t skimp on the smoked paprika! It’s essential for giving the stew its signature smoky flavor. Use a high-quality smoked paprika for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** If you have a smaller Instant Pot, you may need to reduce the amount of ingredients or cook the stew in batches to avoid overcrowding.
* **Deglaze the Pot:** Deglazing the pot after sautéing the onions and garlic is crucial for adding flavor. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent them from burning and to add richness to the stew.
* **Adjusting the Consistency:** If the stew is too thick, add a little more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, use the cornstarch slurry or potato mashing method to thicken it.
Serving Suggestions
Brunswick stew is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a variety of sides.
* **Cornbread:** A classic pairing! Sweet or savory cornbread complements the smoky and savory flavors of the stew perfectly.
* **Crackers:** Saltine crackers or oyster crackers are a simple and satisfying accompaniment.
* **Coleslaw:** A creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
* **Hushpuppies:** These deep-fried cornmeal fritters are another Southern favorite that goes well with Brunswick stew.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
Instant Pot Brunswick Stew: Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes
**Release time:** 15-20 minutes (natural release recommended)
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 lb smoked pork shoulder (or pulled pork), shredded
* 1 lb smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup frozen corn
* 1 cup frozen lima beans
* 1 cup frozen okra (optional, but recommended)
* 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, hot sauce, crackers or cornbread
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Ingredients:** Chop the onion, bell peppers, and potato. Mince the garlic. Slice the smoked sausage. Shred the smoked pork (if using). Measure out spices and sauces.
2. **Sear Chicken (Optional):** Turn on the Instant Pot to “Sauté.” Add oil. Sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pot.
3. **Sauté Aromatics:** Add onion and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth if needed.
4. **Add Remaining Ingredients:** Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, lima beans, okra (if using), and potato to the pot. Return chicken to the pot. Add smoked pork and sausage. Pour in chicken broth, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
5. **Pressure Cook:** Stir ingredients. Secure lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the time to 25 minutes on high pressure.
6. **Release Pressure:** Allow a natural pressure release for 15-20 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually. Alternatively, use a quick release (use caution).
7. **Shred Chicken & Thicken (if needed):** Remove the lid. Shred the chicken with two forks. Taste and adjust seasoning. To thicken, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water, simmer on sauté until thickened) or mash some of the potatoes.
8. **Serve:** Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions and hot sauce (optional). Serve with crackers or cornbread.
Enjoy Your Delicious Instant Pot Brunswick Stew!
This Instant Pot Brunswick stew recipe is a testament to the power of modern cooking technology. It allows you to enjoy a classic Southern dish in a fraction of the time, without compromising on flavor. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to savor a bowl of comforting, smoky goodness. Happy cooking!