Teresa's Recipes
Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew)
Bigos, often referred to as 'hunter's stew,' is a beloved traditional Polish dish known for its rich, hearty flavors and the comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers. This delightful stew combines tangy sauerkraut, a medley of meats—including succulent kielbasa, tender beef, and savory pork—and fragrant spices for a dish that's perfect for warming up during the cold winter months. With roots dating back to the 17th century, bigos is not just a meal but a celebration of Polish culinary heritage, often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 slices, diced Bacon
- 1 pound, cut into cubes Pork shoulder
- 1 pound, cut into cubes Beef stew meat
- 1 pound, sliced Kielbasa sausage
- 1 large, chopped Onion
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 cups, drained and rinsed Sauerkraut
- 1 cup, soaked in warm water Dried mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 2 Bay leaves
- 5, crushed Juniper berries
- 5, crushed Allspice berries
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- In the same pot, add the cubed pork shoulder and beef stew meat to brown on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the stew.
- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
- Drain the sauerkraut and rinse it under cold water to reduce its acidity. Add the sauerkraut to the pot and stir to combine.
- Incorporate the sliced kielbasa sausage, soaked dried mushrooms (plus the soaking liquid), tomato paste, bay leaves, crushed juniper berries, and crushed allspice berries into the pot.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, and stir everything well.
- Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer for about 3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
- Before serving, stir in the reserved crispy bacon for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or boiled potatoes to soak up the delicious broth. Enjoy!
Tips
- Feel free to add other meats like venison or rabbit for a more traditional version.
- Bigos tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.