Bigos, or "Hunter's Stew," is a Polish dish with sauerkraut, cabbage, and meats. It's flavorful and ideal for cold days.Learn to make it with our simple recipe.

Here's a traditional recipe for Bigos, a hearty hunter's stew from Poland:

Ingredients:

  - 1 lb sauerkraut, drained

  - 1 small head of cabbage, shredded

  - 1 onion, chopped

  - 2 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1 lb mixed meats (such as pork shoulder, bacon, kielbasa), cubed

  - 1 cup beef broth

  - 1 cup chicken broth

  - 1 bay leaf

  - 1 tsp caraway seeds

  - Salt and pepper, to taste

  - 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  - 1 tbsp tomato paste

  - 1 tbsp flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.

2- Add the meats to the pot and brown them on all sides.

3- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.

4- Add the sauerkraut, cabbage, beef broth, chicken broth, bay leaf, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil.

5- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

6- If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the flour with a little water to make a paste, then stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

7- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Enjoy your hearty Bigos stew!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients in the previous Bigos recipe, per serving:

Sauerkraut (1 cup, drained):

  - Calories: 32

  - Carbohydrates: 7g

  - Fiber: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits: Rich in fiber and probiotics, sauerkraut supports digestive health, boosts the immune system, and may reduce inflammation.

Cabbage (1 cup, shredded):

  - Calories: 22

  - Carbohydrates: 5g

  - Fiber: 2g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits: Packed with vitamins C and K, cabbage supports immunity and bone health, while its fiber promotes digestion and satiety.

Onion (1 medium):

  - Calories: 44

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Fiber: 2g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits: Onions are a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C, which can boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

Garlic (2 cloves):

  - Calories: 8

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic also supports heart health and may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Mixed meats (1 lb, assorted):

  - Calories: 1200 (approximate, varies based on types of meats used)

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Protein: 100g (approximate, varies based on types of meats used)

  - Fat: 80g (approximate, varies based on types of meats used)

benefits: While high in protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc, moderation is key due to their high saturated fat content.

Beef broth (1 cup):

  - Calories: 20

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Protein: 4g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits: Both beef and chicken broths provide hydration and some nutrients. They can also be easier to digest for some individuals.

Chicken broth (1 cup):

  - Calories: 38

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 1g

benefits: Both beef and chicken broths provide hydration and some nutrients. They can also be easier to digest for some individuals.

Bay leaf, caraway seeds, salt, pepper, vegetable oil, tomato paste, and flour are negligible in terms of caloric content.

benefits:

  - Bay Leaf: Contains vitamins A, C, and B6, along with minerals like iron and potassium, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

  - Caraway Seeds: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, caraway seeds aid digestion and may reduce inflammation.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.