Hopkins County Stew Family Size Recipes

HOPKINS COUNTY STEW

Steps:

• Assuming you don't have a huge iron pot, use a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot for cooking the stew. Place the chicken in a pot with the stock and salt.
• Over medium heat, simmer the chicken until it is tender and cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the chicken, and set it aside until it is cool enough to handle.
• Bring the stock to a simmer, and add the potatoes and onion. Simmer until the potatoes are cooked through, about 15 minutes.
• In the meantime, skin, bone, and shred or dice the chicken. Return it to the pot, along with the tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, paprika, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer again. Add both types of corn and the butter.
• Cover the pot and continue simmering the stew for at least 30 minutes, until it is quite thick. Stir the stew up from the bottom frequently to prevent scorching, and add a little water if it starts to get dry. Don't let it boil - that would toughen the chicken. Continue to cook very low heat for a couple of hours.
• This stew is tasty with cornbread. In Hopkins County, though, it's usually served with fistful of crackers, slices of cheese, and plenty of pickles.

HOPKINS COUNTY STEW #2

Steps:

• Fry the bacon in a large kettle; add butter and chicken and saute' until browned.
• Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and simmer.
• When cooked indoors, cook for at least 4 hours, covering, stirring occasionally. After about 1 hour of cooking, Remove the chicken and bone it. Then dice the meat and return it to the kettle.
• Enough for 8 to 10 persons, depending on whether you are a thresher or a file clerk.
• For a large crowd, cook in an iron wash pot outside.