Babcias Hearty Bigos

A traditional Polish hunters stew, brimming with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, assorted meats, and earthy mushrooms. This robust, tangy, and deeply flavorful dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking the freezer for cozy weeknight meals.

This hearty bigos has been a staple in my family for years. I first served it for a large family gathering and was amazed at how everyone loved the rich flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients

• Meats: 500 g (1.1 lbs) pork shoulder cut into 2 cm cubes, 500 g (1.1 lbs) beef chuck cut into 2 cm cubes, 400 g (14 oz) kielbasa or smoked sausage sliced, 200 g (7 oz) bacon diced
• Vegetables & Fruit: 1 kg (2.2 lbs) sauerkraut rinsed and drained, 500 g (1.1 lbs) green cabbage shredded, 2 large onions diced, 2 apples (ideally tart) peeled and diced, 3 cloves garlic minced
• Mushrooms: 50 g (1.8 oz) dried wild mushrooms (e.g., porcini) soaked for 30 minutes in hot water drained and chopped, 250 g (9 oz) fresh mushrooms sliced
• Liquids: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) dry red wine, 500 ml (2 cups) beef or chicken stock
• Spices & Seasoning: 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 5 allspice berries, 1 tbsp marjoram, 1 tsp caraway seeds, Salt and pepper to taste, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
• Optional: 4–6 prunes pitted and chopped

Instructions

Step 1:

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven heat oil or lard over medium heat Add bacon and fry until golden and crisp Remove bacon and set aside leaving the rendered fat in the pot

Step 2:

In batches brown pork and beef cubes in the bacon fat Remove and set aside with the bacon

Step 3:

Add onion to the pot and sauté until translucent about 5 minutes Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more

Step 4:

Stir in the fresh and dried mushrooms cook until softened and fragrant about 5 minutes

Step 5:

Add sauerkraut fresh cabbage apple browned meats and bacon to the pot Mix thoroughly

Step 6:

Pour in wine stock and any mushroom soaking liquid (strained) Stir in tomato paste bay leaves peppercorns allspice marjoram caraway and prunes if using

Step 7:

Bring to a gentle simmer Cover and cook on low heat for 2 2.5 hours stirring occasionally

Step 8:

After 1 hour add sliced kielbasa Continue simmering adding extra stock or water if needed to prevent sticking

Step 9:

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed

Step 10:

Remove bay leaves and allspice berries Allow the bigos to cool before portioning for freezing or serve hot with crusty bread

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My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this dish especially during the colder months when its warmth is most welcome.

Required Tools

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon Ladle

Allergen Information

Contains Pork beef processed meats (check sausage and bacon for gluten or other additives) May contain Sulfites (in wine) gluten (in sausage or bacon unless gluten-free certified) Always check labels on sausages and stock if gluten-free or allergen-sensitive

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 28 g per serving

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Allowing the bigos to rest overnight will greatly improve the flavor Just reheat gently before serving

Recipe FAQ

→ What meats are traditionally used in Babcias Hearty Bigos?

Pork shoulder, beef chuck, kielbasa or smoked sausage, and bacon form the hearty base of this dish, creating rich and layered flavors.

→ How are mushrooms prepared for this stew?

Both dried wild mushrooms, soaked and chopped, and fresh sliced mushrooms are used to add earthy depth and texture.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, flavors deepen when made a day ahead and reheated; it also freezes well for up to three months in airtight containers.

→ What spices enhance the flavor of the bigos?

Bay leaves, black peppercorns, allspice berries, marjoram, and caraway seeds combine to bring a warm, aromatic profile to the stew.

→ What are recommended side options for serving bigos?

Traditional accompaniments include crusty rye bread or boiled potatoes, which complement the rich, tangy flavors.

→ Is the stew gluten-free?

This dish can be gluten-free if using gluten-free kielbasa and bacon; always check labels for additives.