Savory Brunswick Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 stick of unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 large cans of diced tomatoes (28 ounces each)
• 1 bag of frozen whole kernel corn (16 ounces)
• 1 bag of frozen baby lima beans (16 ounces)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup sweet BBQ sauce (for that delightful smoky sweetness)
• 8 cups chicken broth (approximately 2 quarts)
• 2 to 3 pounds of diced meat (Choose between Boston Butt or pork loin, or a combination)
• 1 pound of shredded chicken breast (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a generously sized pot, let the butter melt over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent, then incorporate the minced garlic.
2. Pour in the diced tomatoes from the large cans, along with the liquid they contain. Add the frozen corn, baby lima beans, Worcestershire sauce, sweet BBQ sauce, and 6 cups of chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to blend the ingredients.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, covering the pot for a few hours. Stir occasionally and introduce more chicken broth if the stew thickens excessively. Let the flavors harmonize as it simmers.
4. While the stew simmers, prepare your chosen meat. You can either utilize 2 to 3 pounds of diced Boston Butt, pork loin, or a combination. You may also include 1 pound of shredded chicken breast if you wish. Season the meat with a pinch of salt and pepper to suit your taste.
5. In a separate pan, sear the diced meat over medium-high heat until it's fully cooked and has a nice sear. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Once the meat is ready, gently fold it into the simmering stew.
7. Continue to let the stew simmer for at least another hour, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Sample and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
8. Serve your savory Brunswick Stew hot, accompanied by your choice of sides, such as Mexican cornbread, regular cornbread, crackers, Fritos, or any preferred accompaniment.

Tips:

• Feel free to personalize this Brunswick Stew to your liking. You can modify the quantity of tomatoes, corn, or lima beans to match your preferences.
• If you appreciate shredded chicken breast in your stew, include it as indicated in step 4.
• Tailor the recipe by experimenting with various types of BBQ sauce to discover your preferred flavor profile.
• Any leftover stew can be refrigerated and then reheated for a delightful meal the next day. The flavors often deepen over time, enhancing the overall taste.