
This hearty Polish Bigos recipe creates a rich hunter's stew in 2 hours, packed with tender pork, smoky kielbasa, and tangy sauerkraut. Infused with dried mushrooms and sweet prunes, this traditional dish offers a complex balance of savory and sour flavors. It is the perfect warming meal for a cold evening, best served with a slice of dark rye bread.
Place the dried mushrooms in a small bowl and cover with 1 cup of warm water, letting them soak for 20 minutes until soft, then chop finely and reserve the liquid.
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot set over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until the fat renders and the edges become crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the diced pork shoulder to the pot and sear on all sides until browned, then add the sliced kielbasa and onion, cooking for another 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the drained sauerkraut, shredded fresh cabbage, chopped mushrooms, and the reserved mushroom soaking liquid (pour carefully to leave any sediment behind).
Pour in the red wine and mix in the tomato paste, chopped prunes, bay leaves, caraway seeds, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer gently for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the bottom does not burn.
Remove the lid and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes to allow the excess liquid to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.
Discard the bay leaves and serve the thick, rich stew hot, ideally accompanied by a slice of crusty sourdough or rye bread.





