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Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

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Bigos Stew, also known as Polish Hunter’s Stew, is a hearty and comforting dish that warms the soul during chilly winter nights. This traditional recipe combines tender beef, flavorful turkey bacon, savory sausages, and tangy sauerkraut, resulting in a rich stew bursting with robust flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection, Bigos allows the ingredients to meld beautifully over time, enhancing its delightful taste. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this dish is not only satisfying but also versatile—customize it with your favorite meats and vegetables. Serve it hot with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a memorable dining experience.

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)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or as needed)
  • 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)
  • 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) beef broth (or dry red apple vinegar / more stock)
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef stock (low sodium beef broth)
  • Salt and pepper to season

Instructions

  1. 1. Soak dried mushrooms in boiling water and set aside.
  2. 2. In a pan, cook diced turkey bacon until slightly crisp. Add kielbasa and kabanos sausages; cook for 10 minutes.
  3. 3. Brown cubed beef in the same pan. Transfer all cooked meats to a slow cooker.
  4. 4. Sauté onions and cabbage until soft; add to the slow cooker.
  5. 5. Combine prunes, soaked mushrooms (with their liquid), sauerkraut, tomato paste, and broth in the slow cooker.
  6. 6. Cook on low for 8-10 hours until flavors meld.

Nutrition