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Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

Bigos Stew, also known as Polish Hunter’s Stew, is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days and festive gatherings. This hearty dish combines a delightful mix of flavors from smoked sausage, tender meats, and tangy sauerkraut, making it a cherished staple in Polish cuisine. The rich taste and satisfying texture of Bigos Stew will warm your soul while impressing guests at any occasion. With its simple preparation method using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish serves eight people and is easily customizable with your choice of meats and seasonings.

  • Total Time: 16 minute
  • Yield: Serves 8

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 – if you can find them)
  • 2 cups (480ml) Polish beer (or dry red apple vinegar/more stock)
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef stock (low sodium beef broth)
  • Salt and pepper to season
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Soak dried mushrooms in boiling water.
  2. Cook turkey bacon until crispy in a large saucepan.
  3. Brown sausages and beef separately in the same pan.
  4. Sauté onions and cabbage until softened.
  5. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker with prunes, sauerkraut, and liquids.
  6. Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours.
  7. Discard bay leaves and adjust seasoning before serving.
  • Author: Natalia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8–10 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, use high-quality smoked meats. Fresh ingredients yield the best texture; consider adding extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.