Polish Bigos Recipe

[doebadie]

I recently made Polish Bigos, also known as Hunter's Stew, and it was a hearty, comforting meal perfect for chilly days. This traditional dish combines various meats, sauerkraut, and fresh cabbage, all slowly simmered to perfection. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:​

• 1 lb pork shoulder, cubed
• 1 lb beef chuck, cubed
• 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb smoked bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup prunes, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Instructions:​

1. Brown the Meats: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed pork shoulder and beef chuck, browning on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Sausage: In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and cook for a few more minutes until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside with the other meats.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot, cooking until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return all the browned meats to the pot. Add the sauerkraut, chopped cabbage, prunes, and mushrooms. Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Add the bay leaves, caraway seeds, and dried marjoram. Stir everything to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook it, the better the flavors will meld together. If the stew becomes too dry, add more beef broth or water.
6. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with crusty bread or boiled potatoes.

Conclusion​

Polish Bigos is a wonderful, traditional dish that warms you from the inside out. The combination of different meats, sauerkraut, and cabbage creates a rich and flavorful stew that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try and experience a taste of Poland right in your kitchen!