Legend has it that burgoo was invented by a well-known Civil War cook named Gus Jaubert who made it using crows or blackbirds because no other meat was available. The name is said to come from a Civil War soldier with a speech impediment who was trying to say “bird stew." Today beef and lamb are the most popular combination of meats used to make burgoo, but chicken, pork, and game meats also are acceptable. A specialty of Kentucky, burgoo is a mixed meat and vegetable stew that is traditionally prepared by a community with various members contributing ingredients. As such, this recipe is versatile and can be made with handy or leftover ingredients. For the vegetables, onion, corn, and beans are required, but availability and personal taste dictate any other additions. This stew develops a deeply savory flavor from a base of bacon and garlic. Burgoo is traditionally served with a hunk of corn bread to sop up the delicious juices.
Recipe Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 lbs beef, cubed
- 3 lbs lamb or mutton, cubed
- 1 medium fresh hot red pepper, quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb tomatoes, canned or fresh seeded and chopped
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 lb lima beans, fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 lb corn, fresh or canned
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Place all the meat and bay leaves in a very large soup pot with water to cover.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 60 minutes.
- Skim any foam that rises and add more water as needed to keep meat covered.
- Add onions, potatoes, and tomatoes and continue to simmer until potatoes are done.
- Add remaining ingredients, including salt and pepper to taste, and simmer just until vegetables are cooked through.
- Correct the seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Notes
A little sweetness is one of the characteristics of burgoo, but the amount of sugar used is always adjusted to personal taste. Anywhere between 2 tablespoons to ½ cup sugar can be added.
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