Bigos (Polish Hunter’s Stew) – Nourishing Cabbage & Sausage Soup

I love this hearty and nourishing Polish-inspired dish made with cabbage, sauerkraut, Wiejska sausage, preservative-free Polish sausage, smoky bacon, and earthy shiitake mushrooms. Slow-cooked for deep, comforting flavors. Enjoy my personal recipe <3

Ingredients:

• 1 Wiejska sausage (purchased at a European market), diced
• 1 preservative-free Polish sausage (purchased at a European market), diced
• 4 strips of bacon, chopped
• 1 tbsp oil (extra virgin olive oil)
• 4 cups chicken broth; bone broth optional
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 jar BUBBA’S sauerkraut (no vinegar, German-style)
• 1 head small white cabbage, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green apple, diced
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (great for using leftovers!)
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• Black pepper to taste
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Meats – In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until cooked but not crispy. Add the diced Wiejska and preservative-free Polish sausage, browning them slightly for extra flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables & Mushrooms – Add the diced onion, carrots, apple, and shiitake mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Tomato Paste & Cabbage – Stir in the tomato paste (optional), cabbage, and sauerkraut, mixing well with the other ingredients.
4. Simmer the Soup – Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add cumin, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir well.
5. Add the Chicken (if using) – If you have leftover cooked chicken, dice it and stir it in now.
6. Slow Cook – Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the bigos simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve & Enjoy – Bigos tastes even better the next day and the longer it sits! Serve warm with crusty bread or enjoy on its own as a comforting and gut nourishing meal.

Letting bigos sit overnight enhances the flavors—this dish only gets better with time!

Notes: For the most authentic taste, purchase the Wiejska and preservative-free Polish sausage at a European market. *Cabbage and Sauerkraut are great for gut health.