Polish Bigos (Hunter’s Stew) Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) pork shoulder, cubed
- 500g (1 lb) beef chuck, cubed
- 250g (1/2 lb) kielbasa sausage, sliced
- 500g (1.1 lb) sauerkraut, drained
- 500g (1.1 lb) fresh cabbage, shredded
- 200g (1 cup) onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 50ml (1/4 cup) vegetable oil
- 250ml (1 cup) beef stock
- 200ml (3/4 cup) red wine
- 50g (1/4 cup) prune, chopped
- 3 bay leaves
- 5g (1 tsp) dried marjoram
- 5g (1 tsp) black pepper
- Salt to taste
Cooking Time
Total estimated time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Browning the Meats
Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder and beef chuck cubes in batches to avoid crowding the pot. Brown each piece on all sides to develop a rich flavor. Remove the browned meat onto a platter and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
Using the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Introduce the minced garlic and continue cooking for a minute until fragrant. The aromatics serve as the flavor base for the Bigos, infusing the stew with a foundational depth.
Step 3: Incorporating Cabbage and Sauerkraut
Add the shredded cabbage and sauerkraut to the pot. Stir well to combine with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften and the flavors to meld together. This is a pivotal step that layers the traditional tanginess and sweetness characteristic of Bigos.
Step 4: Adding Meats and Liquids
Return the browned meats to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Pour in the red wine and beef stock, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The liquids will merge with the meats and vegetables, creating the broth’s rich and savory essence.
Step 5: Incorporating Flavors
Add the sliced kielbasa, chopped prunes, bay leaves, dried marjoram, black pepper, and salt to the stew. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients. Cover the Dutch oven and reduce the heat to low, allowing the stew to simmer gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. During this time, the flavors will continue to develop and intensify.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Towards the end of the cooking time, taste the Bigos and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaves from the stew before serving. This final stage ensures that each component of the dish is perfectly balanced and cooked to tender perfection.
Conclusion
Congratulations on creating a traditional Polish Bigos, a culinary masterpiece that celebrates intricate flavors and cultural heritage. The beauty of Bigos lies in its versatility, as it gets better with time, allowing the flavors to deepen when left to rest overnight. Enjoy this hearty stew with family and friends, savoring each bite as a connection to Poland’s rich culinary past and present. May this recipe bring warmth and joy to your kitchen, as it has done for centuries around the world.
