Bigos (Polish hunter's stew)
Bigos
Bigos (Polish hunter's stew) from Poland.
Cook and rest are read from the method. Prep is estimated when the listing left it out. Optional overnight waits and leftover storage are not counted. Native name preserved: Bigos.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 2 hr 18 min
- Rest
- None
- Total
- 2 hr 28 min
- Difficulty
- A bit of work
- Spice
- No chilli
- Cost
- Weeknight budget$8–16 USD · indicative, not a store price
About
Bigos (Polish hunter's stew) is listed as beef from Poland. The steps below follow the imported method, not an editorial rewrite. Times shown were read from those steps.
What you'll need
16 ingredients. Tap each one once it's out on the bench.
Ingredients
- Beef stock250 ml
- Mushrooms100 g
- Lard30 ml
- German sausages400 g
- Bacon250 g
- Beef750 g
- Prunes200 g
- Red wine90 ml
- Tomato purée30 ml
Scaling multiplies the written quantities. Baking still prefers a scale.
Steps
Step 1
Put the cabbage in a heavy casserole dish, add the stock and cook over a low heat for about 50 mins, until tender.
50 min
Step 2
Cut the soaked mushrooms into strips and save the soaking water. Heat the lard and fry the sausages and bacon, then scoop out, leaving the fat in the pan. Fry the onion in the same pan for 5-8 mins until lightly browned.
8 min
Step 3
Add the mushrooms and their liquid along with all the cooked meat, onions and prunes, then cover and cook for 20 mins. Add the spices, red wine and tomato purée and bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 1 hr. Season well and leave to cool. Will keep covered and chilled for up to two days. Bigos improves in flavour over a couple of days. Leave to cool first. Reheat until piping hot before serving.
80 min
Nutrition
Per serving · estimate
- Calories
- 1244 kcal
- Protein
- 105.6 g
- Carbs
- 69.3 g
- Fat
- 62.8 g
- Saturated fat
- 22.6 g
- Fibre
- 22.3 g
- Sugar
- 15.8 g
- Sodium
- 742 mg
Calculated from canonical ingredient data (USDA FoodData Central averages and equivalent published tables). Estimates only.
Allergens
Informational only. Not a medical guarantee. Cross-contamination happens in real kitchens.
- No major allergens flagged in the structured ingredients.
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
Adapt this recipe
The original recipe stays as it is. Personal versions are labelled. Serving changes are simple maths.
Adaptations · 0 / 15 used. Resets 12 November.
Substitutions
beef → tofu
Marinated tofu or mushrooms can take the savoury role. Label the plate as a vegetarian adaptation.
onion → shallot
Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have.
tomato (passata or canned chopped tomatoes) → passata or canned chopped tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are often better than pale fresh ones out of season.
Tips
- Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
History & culture
Inspired by the original
Provenance: Imported. Not developed or tested in our kitchen, so quantities and timings can be approximate. Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Questions about this recipe
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Bigos (Polish hunter's stew) take?
2 hr 28 min all in — 10 min prep, 2 hr 18 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
A bit of work.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free.
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget — about $8–16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
6 more questionsFewer questions
What equipment do I need?
Frying pan, Saucepan, Dutch oven.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list a salt amount. We will not invent one.
What can I use instead?
beef → tofu. Marinated tofu or mushrooms can take the savoury role. Label the plate as a vegetarian adaptation. onion → shallot. Shallots are sweeter. Use the same volume, or a little extra onion if that is what you have. tomato (passata or canned chopped tomatoes) → passata or canned chopped tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are often better than pale fresh ones out of season.
Any tips from this recipe?
Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Add the mushrooms and their liquid along with all the cooked meat, onions and prunes, then cover and cook for 20 mins. Add the spices, red wine and tomato purée and bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 1 hr. Season well and leave to cool. Will keep covered and chilled for up to two days. Bigos improves in flavour over a couple of days. Leave to cool first. Reheat until piping hot before serving.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.