Description
Hearty Polish bigos stew brings rustic comfort straight from Warsaw’s culinary heart. Simmering with smoky kielbasa, tender cabbage, and rich spices, this soul-warming dish connects you to generations of Polish home cooking traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausages, sliced
Vegetables:
- 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear sausages in hot olive oil until golden brown and caramelized, creating a rich exterior. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
- In the same pot, caramelize onions over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and shredded cabbage into the pot, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly and coat with residual oils.
- Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, incorporating garlic powder and paprika for depth of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to enhance taste profile.
- Increase heat to high, bringing liquid to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low, covering the pot and allowing stew to simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables reach desired tenderness.
- Reintroduce browned sausages into the simmering stew, allowing them to warm through and meld with vegetable flavors for an additional 5 minutes.
- Ladle the hearty stew into serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a generous mix of vegetables and sausage. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Slice sausages diagonally for better presentation and even cooking distribution.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels for health-conscious eaters.
- Consider using spicy chorizo or Italian sausage for added flavor complexity.
- Swap pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg