Description
Bigos, also known as Hunter’s Stew, is a traditional Polish dish made with a variety of meats, sauerkraut, and mushrooms. This hearty stew is perfect for cold weather and showcases the rich flavors of slow-cooked ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
- 1 lb (450g) fresh cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup (150g) fresh mushrooms, sliced (e.g., cremini or button mushrooms)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
- Add the pork shoulder pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides.
- Stir in the sliced sausage and mushrooms, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed sauerkraut and chopped cabbage to the pot, mixing well with the meat.
- Pour in the beef broth, then add the tomato paste, paprika, thyme, black pepper, salt, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Bigos tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.
- Feel free to add other meats like beef or game meats for a more complex flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: Bigos recipe, Hunter's stew, Polish bigos, cabbage stew, mushroom stew, hearty stew, comfort food, traditional Polish dish