Senator McConnell's Burgoo

Senator McConnell's Burgoo Recipe - Traditional American Stew

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 7 hours | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

Senator McConnell's Burgoo is a traditional Kentucky dish that is perfect for serving at gatherings or events. This hearty stew is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

History

Burgoo has been a staple in Kentucky cuisine for centuries. Originally made with whatever meat was available, this dish has evolved over time to include a variety of ingredients such as chicken, beef, and vegetables. Senator McConnell's Burgoo is a modern take on this classic recipe, with a few added twists to make it even more delicious.

Ingredients

Group 1

1 x 4-to-5 lb (2.27 kg) hen
1 lb (454 g) beef stew meat
1 lb (454 g) veal stew meat
4 large beef bone or knuckle bones
4 qt (3.78 liter) water

Group 2

6 onions, finely chopped
2 green peppers, finely chopped
1 medium turnip, finely diced
8-10 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
celery, carrot, onion, parsley
2 cup shelled fresh butter beans
1 x 10 oz (283 g) can tomato puree
2 cup thinly sliced celery
2 cup finely chopped cabbage
1 red pepper pod

Group 3

2 cup fresh okra, sliced
2 cup fresh corn (6 ears)
0.25 cup salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp worcestershire
1 tbsp sugar
1.5 tsp coarse black pepper
0.5 unpeeled lemon, seeded
0.5 tsp cayenne

How to prepare

Combine the ingredients in Group 1 in a large pot, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for four hours.
Let the mixture cool and strain it.
Finely cut the chicken and meat, removing all skin, bone, and gristle. (This is a perfect time to use kitchen scissors.) Return the meat to the stock and refrigerate.
The following day, skim off half of the congealed fat from the top of the stock. Return the pot to the stove and add the ingredients in Group 2.
Simmer for one hour until thickened.
Cut the corn twice and scrape the cobs for milk.
Add the corn and the remaining ingredients in Group 3 to the pot.
Cook, uncovered, at 300°F (149°C) for two hours until the consistency is a thick stew.
Serve in mugs and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To make the best Burgoo, be sure to simmer the stock for at least four hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Skimming off the fat the next day will help to create a rich and flavorful stew. Cutting the corn and scraping the cobs for milk adds an extra layer of sweetness to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Senator McConnell's Burgoo is best served hot in mugs, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with cornbread or biscuits on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the stock for several hours allows the flavors to develop and meld together. Be sure to cut the corn and scrape the cobs for milk to add an extra layer of sweetness to the stew.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients. You can substitute different meats, vegetables, or spices to create a unique version of Senator McConnell's Burgoo.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Senator McConnell's Burgoo in mugs for a rustic and cozy presentation. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with cornbread, biscuits, or a side salad. For a complete meal, serve Senator McConnell's Burgoo with a glass of sweet tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the stew on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Senator McConnell's Burgoo contains approximately 350 calories. This dish is a filling and satisfying meal that is perfect for serving at gatherings or events.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Senator McConnell's Burgoo contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. This dish is a great source of energy and is perfect for fueling up before a long day.

Fats

With a mix of meats and vegetables, Senator McConnell's Burgoo contains around 15 grams of fat per serving. While this dish is not low in fat, it is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for special occasions.

Proteins

Packed with chicken, beef, and vegetables, each serving of Senator McConnell's Burgoo contains approximately 25 grams of protein. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of this essential nutrient.

Vitamins and minerals

Senator McConnell's Burgoo is a nutrient-rich dish that is packed with vitamins and minerals. With ingredients like tomatoes, peppers, and okra, this stew is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains meat and vegetables, but no common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, be sure to check for any specific allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Senator McConnell's Burgoo is a hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for serving at gatherings or events. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a great way to enjoy a taste of Kentucky cuisine.

Summary

Senator McConnell's Burgoo is a delicious and hearty stew that is perfect for serving at gatherings or events. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a great way to enjoy a taste of Kentucky cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Senator McConnell's Burgoo. It was a warm summer day when I was visiting a quaint little town in Kentucky, just outside of Louisville. I had heard about this famous stew that was a favorite of the Senator and I was determined to find out the secret behind its deliciousness.

I wandered through the bustling farmer's market, the smell of fresh produce and homemade goods filling the air. As I perused the various stalls, I noticed a small elderly woman selling jars of homemade jams and pickles. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with her and soon discovered that she was a close friend of Senator McConnell himself.

After chatting for a bit, I finally mustered up the courage to ask her about the famous Burgoo recipe. Her eyes sparkled as she began to tell me the story behind the stew.

She explained that Burgoo was a traditional dish in Kentucky, often served at political events and gatherings. It was a hearty stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, simmered to perfection over a slow fire. Each family had their own secret recipe, passed down through generations.

She went on to tell me that Senator McConnell's Burgoo was particularly renowned for its rich flavor and tender meat. She had been lucky enough to taste it on several occasions and had even been given the recipe by the Senator himself.

With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a piece of paper with the handwritten recipe on it. I thanked her profusely, feeling like I had struck gold.

As I made my way back home, I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the ingredients, including a mixture of beef, pork, and chicken, as well as a medley of fresh vegetables and herbs.

I started by browning the meats in a large pot, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized flavor. I then added in the vegetables, letting them soften and release their natural juices. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly, promising a delicious meal to come.

Next, I poured in a combination of broth and tomatoes, letting the stew simmer slowly on the stove. As the hours passed, the flavors melded together, creating a rich and savory broth that coated each ingredient with a delicious glaze.

Finally, it was time to serve up the Burgoo. I ladled generous portions into bowls, the steam rising up in delicate tendrils. The first spoonful was a revelation, the tender meat melting in my mouth, the vegetables bursting with flavor.

I couldn't believe how delicious it was. The Senator's Burgoo truly lived up to its reputation, a dish fit for a king.

I made sure to save a portion for my elderly friend, the one who had shared the recipe with me. When I saw the smile on her face as she tasted the stew, I knew that I had done justice to Senator McConnell's Burgoo.

From that day on, the recipe became a staple in my kitchen, a reminder of that serendipitous encounter in the farmer's market. I shared it with friends and family, each one marveling at the depth of flavor and complexity of the dish.

I often think back to that warm summer day, the sun shining down on me as I uncovered the secret behind Senator McConnell's Burgoo. It was a moment of pure joy and discovery, a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

And so, as I sit here now, savoring a bowl of the stew that has become a beloved tradition in my household, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that led me to this culinary masterpiece.Senator McConnell's Burgoo will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the wonderful journey that food can take us on.