Bigos Recipe

Bigos, also known as Polish hunter’s stew, is a traditional dish from Poland that is made with sauerkraut, a variety of meats, and fresh vegetables. This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for cold winter nights and is sure to warm you up from the inside out. In this article, we will take a look at the ingredients, instructions, and nutrition of this classic Polish dish.

Ingredients

The ingredients for bigos can vary depending on the recipe and the region of Poland it comes from. However, some of the most common ingredients include:

• 1 large head of sauerkraut
• 1 pound of pork shoulder
• 1 pound of beef chuck
• 1 pound of kielbasa sausage
• 1 cup of dried mushrooms
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of red wine
• 1 tablespoon of caraway seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour

Instructions

Before you begin making bigos, you will need to prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time. Here’s how to do it:

Preparing the Sauerkraut

Start by rinsing the sauerkraut under cold water to remove any excess brine. Then, place it in a large bowl and cover it with cold water. Let it soak for 1-2 hours, changing the water every 30 minutes. Drain the sauerkraut and set it aside.

Preparing the Meats

Cut the pork shoulder and beef chuck into bite-sized pieces. Slice the kielbasa sausage into rounds. Soak the dried mushrooms in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain and chop them.

Cooking the Stew

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until they are soft and translucent. Add the pork shoulder and beef chuck and cook until browned on all sides. Add the kielbasa sausage and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Add the sauerkraut, mushrooms, caraway seeds, bay leaves, beef broth, and red wine to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

In a separate small bowl, mix together the tomato paste and all-purpose flour. Add this mixture to the pot and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the stew has thickened.

Serving the Stew

Bigos is traditionally served with rye bread and a cold beer. It can also be served with boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or bread dumplings.

Nutrition

Bigos is a hearty and filling dish that is packed with nutrition. One serving of bigos (approximately 1 cup) contains:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 24 grams
• Fat: 18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams
• Sodium: 1200 milligrams

Bigos is high in protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied for longer periods of time. However, it is also high in sodium, so it may not be the best option for those who are watching their salt intake.

Overall, bigos is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for colder months. Whether you are looking to try a new cuisine or simply want to warm up on a chilly day, bigos is definitely worth trying.