Ingredients
- 1 lb pork shoulder (cut into cubes)
- 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced)
- 1 lb sauerkraut (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup fresh cabbage (chopped)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
6 steps
Sauté the meat
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pork shoulder and sausage, and brown on all sides.
Make sure not to overcrowd the pot to ensure even browning.Add vegetables
Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms to the pot. Sauté until onions are translucent.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.Incorporate sauerkraut
Stir in the sauerkraut and fresh cabbage, mixing well with the meat and vegetables.
Rinsing the sauerkraut helps reduce its sourness.Add liquids and spices
Pour in beef broth, add tomato paste, paprika, caraway seeds, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
You can adjust spices to your taste preference.Simmer the stew
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for at least 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
The longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together.Serve and garnish
Remove the bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill if desired.
Bigos tastes even better the next day after flavors have developed.
💡 Tips & Tricks
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 4 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 3 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened.
What to Serve With
Complete your polish meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Authentic Polish Bigos (Hunters Stew) Recipe is a beloved dish from Polish cuisine.
Polish cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.
This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 15 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Bigos tastes better the next day and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
