Make Authentic South Carolina Hash: A Savory And Hearty Recipe (2024)

The Ultimate Guide to South Carolina Hash: A Traditional Southern Dish with Pork, Potatoes, and Mustard Sauce

A Taste of Southern Tradition: South Carolina Hash

South Carolina hash is a unique and delicious dish that originated in the Palmetto State as a way to use up leftover barbecue pork. It is a thick, rich stew that combines tender pork, potatoes, onions, and a tangy mustard sauce. It is generally served over white rice or with bread and is a staple at many barbecue joints and family gatherings.

Hash over rice.

Southern hash is one dish with many variations depending on the region, the cook, and the ingredients available. Some versions include beef, chicken, or even squirrel, as well as tomatoes, vinegar, or spices. Some are smooth and creamy, while others are chunky and rustic. But the most common and popular type of Southern hash in South Carolina is made with pork and mustard, which reflects the German heritage of many settlers in the state.

Making your own South Carolina hash is not difficult, but it does require some time and patience. You will need to cook the pork until it falls apart, then shred it and simmer it with the potatoes, onions, and sauce until everything is well combined and flavorful. The result is a satisfying and comforting dish that will make you feel like you are in the heart of South Carolina.

Uniquely South Carolinian: Characteristics That Set it Apart

Its distinctive flavors and textures set South Carolina hash apart from other regional variations. At its core lies boneless pork butt—an inexpensive cut with exceptional tenderness when slow-cooked for hours.

This succulent meat, often Boston butt roast, is typically smoked or seared before being simmered in a tomato-based sauce enriched with ketchup and mustard based BBQ sauce. Adding depth to the dish are onions caramelized to perfection, infusing it with sweet undertones while maintaining an appealing crunchiness.

The acidity from vinegar heightens the flavor profile by balancing out the richness imparted by butter or chicken broth if desired. For a hint of heat, red pepper flakes can be incorporated to bring that extra kick.

South Carolina hash is often served over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the savory sauce to soak into each grain. The combination of tender meat, tangy tomato-based sauce, and the satisfying consistency of rice creates a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

Whether enjoyed as a main course or a delightful side dish, South Carolina hash has stood the test of time as a symbolic representation of Southern cooking. Its unique blend of ingredients and cultural significance make it an essential part of any culinary exploration in this enchanting region.

This hash recipe is similar to Brunswick Stew. Although the ingredients may differ, they share a common origin in South Carolina barbecue.

Traditional Ingredients and Preparation

Pork Cuts Used in Hash: Embracing the Whole Hog

When crafting authentic South Carolina hash, the secret lies in utilizing various cuts of pork. This approach ensures that no part of the pig goes to waste while infusing unique flavors and textures into the dish. From succulent Boston butt, boneless pork butt to flavorful hocks, every cut has its role in creating a harmonious medley of tastes.

Pork cuts for Carolina hash.

The importance of using different parts of the pig cannot be overstated. Each cut brings distinct qualities to the table, adding depth and complexity to the final product.

For instance, boneless pork butt offers tender, juicy meat that effortlessly falls apart after slow cooking. On the other hand, including hocks provides a delightful smokiness and an irresistible gelatin-rich texture that enhances both mouthfeel and flavor.

Smoking Techniques: Slow-Cooking Magic

The traditional method for preparing South Carolina hash involves slow-cooking and using different smoking techniques to attain delectably tender meat with a rich smoky flavor. Using pits or barrels allows for low and slow cooking over indirect heat while infusing an unmistakable barbecue aroma into every bite. The choice of wood used for smoking plays a crucial role in achieving an authentic flavor profile.

Hickory wood brings robust earthy notes that complement the richness of pork beautifully. On the other hand, Oakwood imparts a milder yet distinctive smokiness that lets the other flavors shine through more prominently.

Vegetables and Seasonings: Building Layers of Flavor

South Carolina hash wouldn’t be complete without a medley of vegetables and carefully selected seasonings. Onions provide a savory base note, while bell peppers add sweetness and depth. Tomatoes bring their acidic touch along with their vibrant color, balancing out some of the richness of the pork.

To further elevate the taste profile, a blend of spices is added. Black pepper provides a subtle heat, while paprika contributes a smoky undertone that harmonizes with the flavors imparted through smoking.

Mustard powder lends a spicy kick, enhancing the overall complexity and adding another layer of depth to this beloved dish. Combining these traditional ingredients and meticulous preparation techniques creates an unforgettable South Carolina hash experience that tantalizes taste buds and pays homage to the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Regional Variations of South Carolina Hash

Pee Dee Style Hash: Distinctive Flavors and Rich Consistency

One must recognize the unique and delectable Pee Dee style hash when exploring the diverse regional variations of South Carolina hash. Hailing from the state’s northeastern region, this variant is known for its distinct flavors and rich consistency.

The key ingredient that sets Pee Dee style hash apart is none other than the liver. Yes, you heard it right!

Adding liver to the recipe gives this hash a distinctive taste that tantalizes your taste buds. To achieve the desired consistency, Pee Dee style hash tends to have less tomato-based sauce than other variations.

The sauce is thickened by simmering boneless pork butt with onions, vinegar, and a blend of spices like black pepper and paprika. This slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together into a harmonious symphony of taste.

The result? A comforting bowl of hash that boasts a velvety texture with tender shreds of pork mingling beautifully with the rich liver flavor.

Lower State Style Hash: A Coastal Twist

Taking a culinary journey along South Carolina’s coastal areas leads us to discover another tantalizing variation: Lower State style hash. This rendition incorporates pork and seafood like shrimp or crabmeat, offering an intriguing fusion of land and sea flavors. Unlike its northeastern counterpart, Lower State style hash features lighter sauce with a tangy vinegar kick that adds an acidic note to balance out the richness of both pork and seafood.

This combination creates a unique burst of flavors that will leave you craving more. The use of vinegar in this variation not only enhances taste but also acts as a natural tenderizer for both meat and seafood.

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Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with rice as a side dish, Lower State style hash represents South Carolina’s coastal culinary heritage. The delicate flavors of shrimp or crabmeat intermingling with tender pork shreds and an underlying vinegar tang make the hash variation a delight for seafood lovers and hash connoisseurs alike.

Exploring the regional variations of South Carolina hash reveals a world of flavors and textures. From the Pee Dee style’s distinct liver-infused richness to the Lower State style’s coastal twist with seafood, each variant offers a unique experience.

Whether you prefer the thicker consistency of the Pee Dee style or the lighter, tangier notes of the Lower State style, one thing is sure – South Carolina hash is a comfort food that showcases the state’s rich culinary heritage in every delicious bite. So grab a bowl and savor the mouthwatering goodness this Southern delicacy offers!

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Traditional serving methods

When it comes to enjoying South Carolina hash, a few traditional serving methods truly enhance the flavors of this classic dish. One popular way is to serve it in a plate or bowl, with a generous serving of rice as the base. The tender, smoky pork, and flavorful sauce mingle beautifully with the fluffy rice, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.

Carolina hash over rice.

The rice also helps to absorb the rich flavors of the hash. To complement the taste and texture of South Carolina hash, cornbread is often served on the side. Add butter to that list. Lots of it.

This delicious addition adds a touch of sweetness and crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with the savory hash. Whether you prefer your homemade cornbread plain or with added ingredients like jalapenos or cheese, it provides an excellent contrast to the tender meat and tangy sauce.

Modern twists on serving hash

While traditional serving methods are delightful, there’s room for creative twists when presenting South Carolina hash. One exciting option is to use the hash as a filling for tacos, sliders, or hot dog chili. Combining smoky pork, tangy sauce, and various toppings creates a mouthwatering fusion that will satisfy Carolina BBQ lovers and taco enthusiasts alike.

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Top them off with some pickled onions or slaw for an added flavor. Another innovative way to relish South Carolina hash is by stuffing it into baked potatoes.

Picture this: fluffy potatoes baked until they’re perfectly tender inside while boasting that irresistible crispy skin on the outside. Now imagine cutting them open and generously filling them with hot, savory hash—pure comfort food bliss!

Add some shredded cheese or sour cream as a garnish for an extra indulgence. Whether you opt for traditional presentations with hash over rice and cornbread or venture into more adventurous territory like tacos, stuffed potatoes, and onions, South Carolina hash offers a versatile canvas for culinary creativity.

Let your taste buds guide you, and savor every bite of this iconic Southern dish. Stay tuned for the article’s final section, where we’ll explore famous Hash Festivals in South Carolina.

Famous Hash Festivals in South Carolina

The World Famous Mullins BBQ Festival

A Smokin’ Celebration of Carolina Hash

Every year, the small town of Mullins, South Carolina, hosts the renowned Mullins BBQ Festival, a vibrant and flavorful celebration of all things barbecue. This festival brings locals together and attracts food enthusiasts from all over the country, eager to savor the unique taste of Carolina hash.

Incorporated in 1872, Mullins is now the center of South Carolina’s hash and rice revival.

The festival is a true homage to Southern culinary traditions. It offers an opportunity to experience the diverse flavors and techniques that make South Carolina hash special. At the Mullins BBQ Festival, visitors are treated to a mouthwatering array of stalls offering various styles of hash cooked by talented pitmasters.

The air is thick with tantalizing aromas as slow-cooked pork, onions, and tomatoes simmer in large cauldrons. The festival-goers can witness firsthand the artistry behind these beloved dishes as chefs expertly blend seasonings like garlic, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder into their secret recipes.

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As if that wasn’t enough to tempt your taste buds, there’s also an abundance of other barbecue delicacies to enjoy at the festival. From tender pulled pork sandwiches smothered in tangy mustard BBQ sauce to savory ribs glazed with a rich tomato-based ketchup sauce or hot sauce. There’s something for every barbecue lover at this lively event.

Conclusion

Savoring South Carolina’s Hash

Heritage South Carolina hash recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a testament to Southern culinary heritage and community spirit.

Whether you find yourself indulging in this delectable creation at barbecue restaurants, festivals like Mullins BBQ Festival, or cooking it up in your own kitchen using cherished family recipes passed down through generations, one thing remains constant: the joy it brings when shared with others.

So next time you’re craving a hearty meal that combines the tender, shredded pork with the rich flavors of onions, tomatoes, and a myriad of spices, consider trying to make South Carolina hash.

Not only is it a taste sensation that will transport you to the heart of this vibrant region, but it’s also a dish that freezes well, allowing you to relish its comforting goodness whenever your heart desires. In barbecue traditions and culinary delights, South Carolina barbecue hash stands tall as a unique and beloved treasure worth savoring.

Recipe Card

South Carolina Hash Recipe

Course: Soup/StewCuisine: Southern

Servings

10

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

3

hours

Calories

456

kcal

South Carolina hash is a savory and hearty stew of pork or beef, potatoes, and mustard sauce over rice1. A traditional southern side dish that will wow you with its tender meat, tangy sauce, and satisfying consistency. It is a perfect dish for barbecue lovers and comfort food seekers alike.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds of boneless pork butt or beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons of lard or vegetable oil

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 4 cups of chicken broth or water

• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup of yellow mustard

• 1/4 cup of ketchup

• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon of paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, optional

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions

• Season the meat with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over high heat. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 15 minutes. Transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion to the same pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden, about 10 minutes.
• Add the broth or water, vinegar, mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, paprika, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then return the meat to the pot. Cover and simmer over low heat until the meat is very tender and falls apart easily, about 3 hours.
• Transfer the meat to a cutting board and shred it with two forks. Discard any fat or bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir well.
• Add the potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.
• Serve the hash over rice and enjoy!

Notes

• You can also make this recipe in a slow cooker. Just sear the meat and cook the onion as instructed, then transfer them to a slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients except for the potatoes. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Shred the meat and add the potatoes in the last hour of cooking.
• You can also use smoked pork hocks or ham hocks instead of pork butt or beef chuck roast for a smokier flavor.
• You can adjust the amount of vinegar, mustard, ketchup, sugar, and spices according to your taste preference.