Brunswick Stew

Brunswick Stew 

1 whole roasting chicken in pot half filled with water 

2 medium onions, 1 chopped 

3 stalks of celery cut in large pieces 

3 stalks of celery chopped 

3 medium-large carrots chopped 

1 bay leaf 

1 package of frozen okra (or fresh if in season 

1 large can of diced tomatoes or San Marzano’s(coarsley chop before adding) 

1 bag of frozen baby limas 

1 bag of frozen corn (I like the white kernels) 

1 smoked ham hock 

White potatoes—about 4 small ones cut up 

  Or could add sweet potatoes  

Simmer chicken with 1 medium onion whole studded with cloves and 3 stalks of celery cut in large pieces, salt and pepper and bay leaf , And smoked ham hock , about 35-40 minutes. (Test if wing pulls away, then done).  Remove chicken, cool, skin and cut into bite size pieces, removing onion and celery from the water which will be used as stock. Leave ham hock in pot. 

Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, okra, and tomatoes to pot and simmer until okra starts to fall apart; add limas, frozen corn and cut up potatoes (bite size) and cut up chicken.  Simmer until potatoes are cooked.  Remove ham hock, cut up pieces of ham and add to pot. 

Check for seasoning and add more salt and pepper as needed.  You can always add herbs, such as thyme and basil .