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Bigos (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

Hearty Bigos Polish Hunter’s Stew Perfect for Cozy Nights

Bigos is a classic Polish hunter’s stew that warms the soul with its rich flavors and comforting aromas.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: Polish
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Stew
  • 1 cup Dried Porcini Mushrooms Substitute with other dried mushrooms if necessary.
  • 2 cups Boiling Water
  • 6 strips Bacon Diced.
  • 1 lb Kielbasa Sausage Cubed.
  • 4 pieces Kabanos Sausage Small.
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil Any neutral oil.
  • 1 lb Pork Loin/Shoulder Cubed.
  • 2 medium Onions Diced.
  • 1 small White Cabbage Shredded.
  • 6 cups Sauerkraut Drained.
  • 10 pieces Prunes Halved.
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 3 Bay Leaves
  • 1 tbsp Caraway Seeds Can be omitted.
  • 0.5 tsp Allspice Or 4 berries.
  • 3 Juniper Berries Optional.
  • 2 cups Polish Beer or Dry Red Wine Chicken stock is a substitute.
  • 1 cup Beef Stock Low sodium.
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • slow cooker

Method
 

How to Make Bigos
  1. Soak mushrooms in boiling water for about 20 minutes, then set aside.
  2. Cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Add kielbasa and kabanos, cooking for an additional 10 minutes. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
  3. Brown cubed pork in the same pan for about 5-8 minutes until golden, then move to the slow cooker.
  4. Sauté onions and shredded cabbage over medium heat for 10 minutes, adding liquid if necessary to prevent sticking. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  5. In the slow cooker, mix in rehydrated mushrooms, sauerkraut, halved prunes, tomato paste, bay leaves, caraway seeds, allspice, and juniper berries. Pour in the beer or wine and beef stock, then stir.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with rye bread or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 24gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 20mg

Notes

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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