Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew) is a delightful winter dish that warms you from the inside out. This hearty stew is perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy nights at home. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, Bigos is a true testament to Polish cuisine. The combination of smoked sausage, tender beef, and tangy sauerkraut creates a symphony of tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Bigos Stew is packed with meat and vegetables, making it a complete meal in every bowl.
• Rich Flavor: The use of various meats and spices ensures a deep, savory flavor profile that delights the palate.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your Bigos with your favorite types of meat or add extra vegetables to suit your taste.
• Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time and a slow cooker involved, this recipe fits seamlessly into any busy schedule.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your kitchen essentials to ensure everything runs smoothly while preparing Bigos Stew.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large casserole or saucepan
• Measuring jug
• Slotted spoon
• Chopping board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-off cooking, letting all the flavors meld together while you carry on with your day.
• Large casserole or saucepan: Ideal for browning meats and sautéing vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker.
• Chopping board and knife: Essential for prepping your ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

Bigos is possibly the heartiest of all winter stews! This Polish dish combines smoked sausage, meat, sauerkraut, cabbage, and prunes – a real “stick to your ribs” meal! My Slow Cooker Bigos recipe is big on flavor – a true crowd pleaser!

For the Stew Base

• 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)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or as needed)

Meat Components

• 1 lb (450g) beef (loin or shoulder, fat removed, cubed)

Vegetables & Sauerkraut

• 2 medium onions (diced)
• 1 small white cabbage (cored and shredded)
• 6 cups (800g) sauerkraut (drained)

Flavor Enhancers

• 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)

Liquids

• 2 cups (480ml) Polish beer (or dry red apple vinegar/more stock)
• 1 cup (240ml) beef stock (low sodium beef broth)

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to season

How to Make Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms

Place the dried mushrooms in a measuring jug and add the boiling water. Allow them to soak while you prepare the meat.

Step 2: Cook Turkey Bacon

Pan fry the Turkey Bacon in a large casserole or saucepan until it becomes slightly crispy.

Step 3: Add Sausages

Add the diced sausages to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring often. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to your slow cooker.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

In the same pan, brown the beef cubes by adding a bit of oil to prevent sticking. You may need to do this in batches. Once browned, transfer them to the crockpot.

Step 5: Sauté Onions and Cabbage

Add diced onions to the pan along with more oil if necessary. Cook for 5 minutes while stirring. Then add shredded cabbage and cook for another 5 minutes. If it gets too dry, add a splash of beer or stock before transferring everything to your slow cooker.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

In your slow cooker, add prunes, soaked porcini mushrooms with their liquid, sauerkraut, tomato paste, bay leaves, seasonings, beer, and beef stock. Stir everything together gently.

Step 7: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW for 8-10 hours or even overnight.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once cooked, discard bay leaves and check seasoning before serving hot with rye bread or over mashed potatoes. Enjoy your hearty Bigos Stew!

How to Serve Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

Bigos Stew is a hearty dish that is perfect for winter evenings. Serving it correctly can elevate the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable for you and your guests.

With Rye Bread

• Rye bread offers a rustic flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich stew, ideal for soaking up every last drop.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that complements the stew’s robust flavors, creating a filling meal.

Accompanied by Pickles

• Adding pickles or pickled vegetables adds a crunchy texture and tangy contrast, balancing the richness of the stew.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or dill brightens the dish and adds a fresh note to each bite.

Served in Bowls

• Presenting Bigos in rustic bowls gives it a homely feel and makes it more inviting for guests to dig in.

With a Side of Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and slight acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the stew.

How to Perfect Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

To achieve the best results with your Bigos Stew, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Meats: Selecting high-quality sausages and beef enhances the flavor, making your stew richer and more satisfying.
• Allow Time for Flavors to Develop: Cooking on low heat for an extended period allows all ingredients to meld perfectly, resulting in a deeper taste.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference to ensure balanced flavors.
• Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add other meats or vegetables based on your liking. This will give your Bigos a personal twist.
• Consider Leftovers: Bigos often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Make extra for future meals!
• Serve Hot: Ensure your stew is served piping hot for the best experience. This also helps enhance its comforting nature.

Best Side Dishes for Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

Pairing side dishes with Bigos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Coleslaw: A light coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, offsetting the heaviness of the stew.
2. Roasted Root Vegetables: Seasonal roasted carrots, parsnips, or beets bring sweetness and color to your table.
3. Crispy Breadsticks: These can serve as an excellent accompaniment for dipping into your rich stew.
4. Creamy Polenta: Smooth polenta provides a delightful contrast in texture while complementing the savory flavors of Bigos.
5. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic offer a vibrant touch and balance out the richness of the dish.
6. Potato Dumplings: Soft potato dumplings absorb sauce well and add heartiness to your meal.
7. Butter Noodles: Simple buttered noodles are easy to prepare and serve as a mild backdrop for the bold stew flavors.
8. Herbed Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf infused with herbs can elevate each bite, making every mouthful enjoyable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Bigos Stew, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your stew turns out perfectly.

• Not soaking the mushrooms: Failing to soak the dried porcini mushrooms can lead to a chewy texture. Always soak them in boiling water before adding them to the stew.
• Overcooking the meat: Cooking the meats too long during the initial frying can dry them out. Brown them just enough for flavor but keep them tender for the slow cooker.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient can affect the overall taste. Taste your Bigos Stew before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Using fresh sauerkraut: Fresh sauerkraut is not ideal for this recipe. Stick to drained, jarred or canned sauerkraut for that authentic flavor.
• Skipping the bay leaves: Bay leaves add depth to your stew. Don’t forget to include them, but remember to remove them before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Bigos Stew in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

• Freeze portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place stew in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour stew into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)?

Bigos Stew is a traditional Polish dish made with various meats, sauerkraut, and spices. It’s known for its hearty flavors, making it perfect for cold weather.

Can I customize my Bigos Stew?

Absolutely! You can add different types of meats like pork or chicken or include additional vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers based on your preferences.

How long does it take to cook Bigos Stew?

Bigos Stew typically cooks slowly in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours on low, allowing all flavors to meld beautifully together.

Is Bigos Stew healthy?

Bigos can be nutritious due to its ingredients like cabbage and lean meats. However, keep an eye on portion sizes due to its richness.

Final Thoughts

Bigos Stew is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl! Its rich flavors and versatility make it suitable for various occasions. Feel free to experiment with ingredients based on what you have at home, ensuring every pot of stew is unique!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Bigos Stew (Polish Hunter’s Stew)

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Bigos Stew, also known as Polish Hunter’s Stew, is a hearty and comforting dish that warms you from the inside out during cold winter months. This traditional recipe features a delightful medley of flavors from smoked sausage, tender beef, tangy sauerkraut, and earthy mushrooms. As it simmers, the ingredients meld together to create a rich, savory stew that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Easy to make in a slow cooker, Bigos is not only delicious but also versatile—allowing you to customize it with your favorite meats or vegetables. Serve it with crusty rye bread or creamy mashed potatoes for an unforgettable meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb kielbasa sausage
• 1 lb beef (cubed)
• 6 cups sauerkraut
• 2 medium onions (diced)
• 1 small white cabbage (shredded)
• 10 prunes
• 2 cups Polish beer
• ⅓ cup dried porcini mushrooms

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Instructions

1. Soak dried mushrooms in boiling water.
2. Cook turkey bacon in a large pan until crispy; add diced sausages and cook for about 10 minutes.
3. Brown beef cubes in the same pan.
4. Sauté onions and cabbage until soft.
5. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and mix well.
6. Cook on low for 8–10 hours.
7. Serve hot with rye bread or mashed potatoes.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow cooking
• Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg