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Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

Bigos Stew, often referred to as Polish Hunter’s Stew, is a comforting and robust dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of winter meals. This hearty stew combines tender chunks of beef, turkey sausage, and an assortment of flavorful vegetables like sauerkraut and cabbage, simmered slowly to create a rich tapestry of flavors that warms both body and soul. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, Bigos Stew is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare with minimal effort thanks to the use of a slow cooker. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside crusty rye bread for a complete meal that your loved ones will crave.

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6

Ingredients

Scale
  • ⅓ cup (40g) dried porcini mushrooms
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
  • 6 strips Turkey Bacon (diced)
  • 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)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or as needed)
  • 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 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. Soak dried mushrooms in boiling water.
  2. Pan-fry turkey bacon in a large saucepan until crisp. Add kielbasa and kabanos sausages; cook for 10 minutes.
  3. Brown the beef in the same pan, then transfer all cooked meats to the slow cooker.
  4. Sauté onions and cabbage in the same pan until softened, then add to the slow cooker.
  5. Mix in prunes, soaked mushrooms with liquid, sauerkraut, tomato paste, bay leaves, and broth; stir gently.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider using different types of meat such as lamb or chicken. Customize the stew by adding your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary. This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.

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