True Gris Stew is one for the ages

This is a recipe for the best stew you ever put in your mouth.

Try it. You will thank me later.

It was given to me by a man in McRae almost 25 years ago. He told me it was a secret recipe. I don’t think he was supposed to give it to anyone, so I’m not sure why he shared it with me. We hardly knew each other.

I’m not great at keeping secrets, which is why it has now been published under my name in a number of cookbooks as a fundraiser for schools, churches and local organizations. I figure it’s  easily reached the public domain by now.

I’ve added and tweaked a few things from the original recipe. I’ve also kicked it up a notch with the Frank’s hot sauce. 

Whenever I make a big batch of this stew, I am the most popular guy at the party. People bow down at my feet. And, if they know I’m making it, they will bring Tupperware to take some home with them.

Although it has been referred to as a Brunswick stew, I don’t think it meets the qualifications. I’ve always heard the prerequisite for a good Brunswick stew is to stick a fork in the middle, and it should be so thick that it won’t move. 

Well, this stew is not like that. Spoons are encouraged. It’s more vegetable soup than stew.

But it is guaranteed to be delicious. And you won’t believe how easy it is to prepare. You will spend about $30-35 on the ingredients, and it will feed your friends and family for days. 

As tempting as it might be to use fresh vegetables, stick to the canned variety. Don’t drain any of the canned vegetables. Just dump it all in. The juice is important for the broth.

You’re welcome.

TRUE GRIS STEW

(Mix together in large pot)

• 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 pound pork barbecue from your favorite BBQ place
• 3 boneless chicken breasts, pulled or cut in chunks
• 4 cans sliced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 bottle ketchup
• 4 cans sliced potatoes
• 4 cans whole grain corn
• 1 can cream corn
• 2 cans sweet peas
• 1 can beef broth
• 3 tablespoons Frank’s hot sauce

(Simmer well. Makes 20 cups or 10 pints)