"Bigos" - Polish Hunters Stew
Bigos is a hearty Polish hunters stew blending beef, lamb, sauerkraut, mushrooms, and sausage, rich in savory flavors perfect for warming cold days or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. cubed beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 red apple, diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. allspice ⓘ
- 1 1/4 lb. lamb breast ⓘ
- 1 lb. sauerkraut, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. Polish sausage ⓘ
- 1 small head cabbage (2 lb.) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the beef in butter in a large pot and remove from the pan.
- Add diced onion and diced apple to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the browned beef to the pan and add 1 1/2 cups beef broth, salt, pepper, and allspice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a few bay leaves while simmering. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage. Feel free to substitute the lamb breast with pork belly for a different taste. For a vegetarian version, replace the meats with hearty vegetables and use vegetable broth instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bigos with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side of pickled vegetables or a fresh salad complements the richness of the stew beautifully. This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, enhancing the flavors and making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Bigos" - Polish Hunters Stew contains roughly 722 calories, with 13g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2106mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meats in Bigos?
Absolutely! While traditional recipes often include beef and pork, you can experiment with your favorite meats such as chicken or turkey. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I know when Bigos is done cooking?
Bigos is ready when the flavors have melded together and the meats are tender. The simmering time can vary, but typically it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Is Bigos suitable for freezing?
Yes, Bigos freezes very well! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).