Description
Bigos Stew, also known as Polish Hunter’s Stew, is a warming and satisfying dish perfect for chilly days. This hearty concoction features an array of meats, tangy sauerkraut, and a blend of aromatic spices that meld together beautifully during slow cooking. The result is a rich and flavorful stew that not only fills your belly but also fills your home with an inviting aroma. Ideal for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week, Bigos Stew is both comforting and delicious. Whether served with rye bread, over mashed potatoes, or alongside fresh herbs and pickles, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite in your winter repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
- ⅓ cup (40g) dried porcini mushrooms
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- 6 strips Turkey Bacon (diced)
- 1 lb (450g) kielbasa sausage (cubed)
- 4 kabanos sausage (cut into small pieces)
- 1 lb (450g) beef (loin or shoulder, fat removed, cubed)
- 2 medium onions (diced)
- 1 small white cabbage (cored and shredded)
- 6 cups (800g) sauerkraut (drained)
- 10 prunes (halved or a can of stoned prunes, drained)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp caraway seeds
- ½ tsp allspice (or 4 allspice berries)
- 3 juniper berries (optional)
- 2 cups (480ml) Polish beef broth (or dry red apple vinegar / more stock)
- 1 cup (240ml) beef stock (low sodium beef broth)
- Salt and pepper to season
Instructions
- Soak dried mushrooms in boiling water while preparing other ingredients.
- In a large casserole, cook turkey bacon until crispy; add kielbasa and kabanos sausages, cooking until browned.
- Brown beef cubes in the same pan; transfer to a slow cooker.
- Sauté onions and cabbage in the pan before adding to the slow cooker.
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cook on LOW for 8-10 hours; season to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg