Low Country Boil, also known as Frogmore Stew, is a beloved Southern dish that brings together an array of delicious ingredients in one hearty pot. Traditionally prepared outdoors in a large pot over an open flame, this seafood feast is a staple at gatherings and celebrations throughout the coastal regions of the South. However, with the convenience of a crockpot, you can now enjoy all the flavors of this classic dish with minimal effort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a mouthwatering Crockpot Low Country Boil that will transport you to the shores of the South.
The Origins of Low Country Boil Before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a moment to explore the origins of Low Country Boil. This iconic dish hails from the Low Country region of South Carolina, where it was traditionally prepared as a communal meal for gatherings of family and friends. Originally consisting of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes seasoned with Old Bay and other spices, Low Country Boil has evolved over time to include a variety of seafood and accompaniments, making it a versatile and flavorful dish that celebrates the bounty of the sea and the land.
Ingredients:
Ingredients To make Crockpot Low Country Boil, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound smoked sausage, cut into chunks
- 4 ears of corn, husked and cut into thirds
- 1 pound baby red potatoes, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation :
Preparation Instructions Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step preparation process for Crockpot Low Country Boil:
- Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot Lightly grease the insert of your crockpot to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Layer the Ingredients Begin by layering the ingredients in the crockpot in the following order: smoked sausage chunks, onion quarters, minced garlic, halved baby red potatoes, corn pieces, and halved lemons. Ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the crockpot.
- Step 3: Season the Ingredients In a small bowl, combine the Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring that each component is well-seasoned.
- Step 4: Add Chicken Broth Pour the chicken broth over the seasoned ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring that the liquid covers the ingredients completely. The broth will infuse the dish with flavor as it cooks.
- Step 5: Cook Low and Slow Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Avoid stirring the ingredients too often to prevent the potatoes from breaking apart.
- Step 6: Add Shrimp About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the crockpot. Gently stir to submerge the shrimp in the liquid, then cover and continue cooking until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Step 7: Serve and Garnish Once the shrimp are cooked, carefully remove the lemons from the crockpot and discard. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the contents of the crockpot to a large serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions Crockpot Low Country Boil is a complete meal in itself, but you can enhance the dining experience with a few simple accompaniments. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for soaking up the flavorful broth, and offer hot sauce or additional Old Bay seasoning for those who like a bit of extra heat.
Crockpot Low Country Boil is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of this classic Southern dish with minimal effort. By layering the ingredients in your crockpot and letting them simmer low and slow, you’ll create a mouthwatering feast that’s perfect for gatherings with family and friends. So, fire up your crockpot and prepare to savor the flavors of the South with this easy-to-make Crockpot Low Country Boil.
