Kentucky Burgoo is a rich, hearty stew with deep roots in Southern culture, particularly in Kentucky, where it’s a staple at gatherings, festivals, and family dinners. This dish is known for its slow-cooked, savory blend of meats—traditionally a mix of pork, beef, chicken, and sometimes game—combined with a variety of vegetables like corn, tomatoes, and okra. Burgoo has a thick, stew-like consistency and a robust flavor that gets better the longer it simmers. Each region and family may have its own version, but the soul of Burgoo remains the same: a comforting, flavorful stew perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 lb chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup lima beans (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup okra, sliced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the Meats:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the beef stew meat and pork shoulder in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the meat and set aside. In the same pot, brown the chicken thighs until golden, then set aside with the other meats.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
- In the same pot, sauté the chopped onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Return the browned meats to the pot and pour in the broth and diced tomatoes. Add the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender.
- Add the Vegetables:
- After the meat has softened, add the lima beans, corn, potatoes, carrots, and okra. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the stew thickens.
- Serve:
- Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the burgoo hot with crusty bread or cornbread on the side.
Traditional Kentucky Burgoo is a perfect blend of meats and vegetables, simmered to perfection for a flavorful, comforting meal. Whether served at a large gathering or a cozy dinner, it’s a delicious taste of Southern tradition!
