Kentucky Burgoo

Kentucky Burgoo

Kentucky Burgoo is a traditional stew that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the Bluegrass State. Originating in the 18th century, Burgoo has evolved from a simple concoction cooked in a communal pot to a beloved dish served at family gatherings, community festivals, and church picnics throughout Kentucky.

The dish embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality, with its hearty mix of meats and vegetables simmered together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Each recipe is unique, often passed down through generations, making Burgoo a symbol of comfort and community. Traditionally served with cornbread or biscuits, Kentucky Burgoo is a dish that warms the heart and brings people together.

Ingredients

To prepare a classic Kentucky Burgoo, you will need the following ingredients:

Meats:

• 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound chicken (legs or thighs, boneless and skinless preferred)
• 1 pound smoked sausage (like kielbasa or andouille), sliced

Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup okra, sliced (optional)

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 6 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Kentucky Burgoo

Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by gathering all your ingredients. This dish involves a lot of chopping, so prepare the vegetables and meats beforehand to streamline the cooking process.

Brown the Meats:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and pork cubes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear the meat until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the browned meat and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine the Meats and Vegetables:

Return the browned beef and pork to the pot, then add the chicken, sausage, diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, corn, green beans, and okra (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Add the Liquid:

Pour in the chicken or beef broth, ensuring that all the ingredients are covered. If needed, add more broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

Season the Stew:

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, brown sugar, thyme, and smoked paprika. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to your taste.

Simmer:

Bring the Burgoo to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld and the meats to become tender.

Shred the Chicken:

About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine. This will enhance the texture of the Burgoo.

Adjust and Serve:

Taste the Burgoo and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the stew is too thick, add a bit more broth or water. If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

Garnish and Enjoy:

Ladle the Kentucky Burgoo into bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with cornbread or biscuits for a complete meal.

Chef’s Note

Kentucky Burgoo is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand. Traditionally, Burgoo might include whatever meats were available, including lamb or game meats like rabbit or venison.

Feel free to substitute or add any meats you prefer. Similarly, the vegetables can be varied based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Some cooks even use leftover meats from previous meals, making Burgoo an excellent way to reduce food waste.

For an authentic touch, consider making Burgoo outdoors in a large pot over an open fire, which is how it was traditionally prepared. Just remember to give it plenty of time to simmer!

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Kentucky Burgoo is not only delicious but also provides a well-rounded meal with protein from the meats and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. However, it is essential to keep an eye on the sodium content, especially if you are using canned products or store-bought broth.

Conclusion

Kentucky Burgoo is a dish steeped in tradition and community, perfect for sharing with family and friends. With its hearty blend of meats and vegetables, it embodies the essence of Southern comfort food.

Whether you’re gathered around the table for a family meal or enjoying a pot at a community event, Burgoo is sure to bring everyone together. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the delightful experience of cooking and sharing this quintessential Kentucky dish!

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