Bigos (Polish hunter's stew)
Discover this authentic Polish Bigos (Polish hunter's stew) recipe — a quick and easy dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with white cabbage, beef stock, mushrooms and 13 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 3 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this polish classic is sure to impress.
15
Prep Time (min)
20
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
500
Calories/serving
Hard
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 1 sliced White Cabbage
- 250 ml Beef Stock
- 100 g Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons Lard
- 400 g German Sausages
- 250 g Bacon
- 2 chopped Onion
- 750 g Beef
- 200 g Prunes
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 2 Cloves
- 12 Peppercorns
- 4 Juniper Berries
- 4 Allspice Berries
- 90 ml Red Wine
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Puree
Instructions
3 steps · ~28 minutes total
Step 1
Put the cabbage in a heavy casserole dish, add the stock and cook over a low heat for about 50 mins, until tender.
5 minutesStep 2
Cut the soaked mushrooms into strips and save the soaking water. Heat the lard and fry the sausages and bacon, then scoop out, leaving the fat in the pan. Fry the onion in the same pan for 5-8 mins until lightly browned.
8 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 3
Add the mushrooms and their liquid along with all the cooked meat, onions and prunes, then cover and cook for 20 mins. Add the spices, red wine and tomato purée and bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 1 hr. Season well and leave to cool. Will keep covered and chilled for up to two days. Bigos improves in flavour over a couple of days. Leave to cool first. Reheat until piping hot before serving.
15 minutesKeep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
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
Bigos (Polish hunter's stew) is a beloved dish from Polish cuisine, originating in Poland. With a total preparation time of about 35 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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 hard difficulty and uses 16 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will need sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, assorted meats (like pork, beef, and sausage), onions, mushrooms, and spices such as bay leaves, peppercorns, and juniper berries.
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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.
