Bigos

Name: Bigos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed; 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed; 4 cups sauerkraut; 1 head fresh cabbage, shredded; 2 large onions, diced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup red wine (or more broth); 2 bay leaves; 1/2 tsp caraway seeds; to taste salt and black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Polish hunter's stew with a hearty mix of sauerkraut, cabbage, and multiple meats in a rich, tangy sauce. This one-pot meal tastes even better the next day and is perfect for cold weather.

110 minMediumServes 8380 cal/serving

Eastern EuropeanDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
4 cups sauerkraut
1 head fresh cabbage, shredded
2 large onions, diced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (or more broth)
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp caraway seeds
to taste salt and black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown 2 lbs cubed pork shoulder and 2 lbs cubed beef chuck in batches, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
2

In the same pot, sauté 2 large diced onions for 5 minutes until softened. Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes.
3

Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pot with 1 cup red wine (or more broth), scraping up any browned bits.
4

Return the meat to the pot. Add 4 cups sauerkraut, 1 head shredded fresh cabbage, 2 cups beef broth, 2 bay leaves, and 1/2 tsp caraway seeds.
5

Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
6

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves before serving.
7

Ladle into bowls and serve hot. This stew tastes better the next day after flavors develop.

Questions

How long does Bigos keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Bigos?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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