Bigos, often referred to as Hunter’s Stew, is a traditional Polish dish with a rich blend of flavors. This hearty stew combines various meats with sauerkraut and fresh cabbage, making it a perfect comfort food for colder months.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sauerkraut, drained
- 1 small head of fresh cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 pound pork shoulder, cut into cubes
- 1/2 pound beef (stewing meat), cut into cubes
- 1/2 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup dry red wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: dried prunes or apples for sweetness
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add the pork and beef cubes to the pot. Cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook for a few more minutes.
- Return the cooked meats and bacon to the pot. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage.
- Stir in the sauerkraut and shredded cabbage.
- Add the beef or chicken broth, red wine (if using), tomato paste, bay leaf, caraway seeds, marjoram, salt, and pepper. If desired, add prunes or apples for a touch of sweetness.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will meld together.
- Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. The stew should have a rich, hearty flavor with a balance of tanginess from the sauerkraut.
- Serve hot. Bigos tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect for making ahead.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
Servings
- Serves: 6-8 people
Polish Bigos is a robust and flavorful stew that embodies the heart of Polish cuisine. Its rich combination of meats, sauerkraut, and spices makes it a deeply satisfying meal, especially during the colder months. It’s a dish that tastes better as the flavors develop over time, making it an excellent choice for leftovers. Enjoy this traditional Polish Hunter’s Stew with a piece of rye bread or a side of potatoes for a complete meal.
