Bigos - Hunter's Stew

After preparing the large Christmas Eve dinner, the lady of the house (and her staff if she was fortunate to have them) needed to relax. Bigos was prepared to be served on the following days as it only needed reheating. There are many variations as there are homes, but the following is the basic recipe, the ingredients listed provide 8 servings, adjust as needed.

Basic ingredients
• Pickled cabbage sauerkraut - 2 lbs (1kg)
• Fresh white cabbage - 2 lbs (1kg)
• pre-cooked or smoked pork and/or ham - 1 lb (0.5kg)
• Polish sausage kielbasa - 1 lb (0.5kg)
• Dried mushrooms - 2 oz. (50g) - (optional)
• Prunes, seedless - 8
• Onion - 1
• Garlic, shredded - 1 tablespoon
• bacon - ½ lb (250g)
• flour - 1 tablespoon
• peppercorns - 2 tablespoons, allspice - 1 tablespoon, bayleaf - 2,

Prepare at least three days before needed, as follows: 

Rinse sauerkraut with cold water; drain well. 

Cut pre-cooked pork and ham from bone (including fat). Cut it and sausage into bite-size pieces (about ½ inch cubes). 

Shred fresh cabbage, slice onion into small pieces, cut prunes into small pieces. 

In a heavy pot (preferably cast-iron or cast aluminum) place fresh cabbage, add water as needed and 2 teaspoons salt, bring to a boil, then cook uncovered over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until cabbage is tender. 

Combine sauerkraut, ham, pork, bay leaves, mushrooms, prunes, peppercorns, allspice with the fresh cabbage. Stir well 

Sauté bacon until crisp, drain off excess fat and add to mix. Stir thoroughly. 

Cook, uncovered for 15 minutes on medium heat, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least one hour. 

Remove and discard bay leaves. Set aside in cool place 

The following day, add 2 oz. vodka or ½ glass dark red wine. Stir, taste, add seasoning as needed. Then cover and cook over slow heat for at least an hour. 

Repeat following day and before serving.

Serve with fresh boiled potatoes or dark rye bread. Serve beer, ice-cold vodka or red wine. 

Whatever is left over can be reheated and served on some later day. Reheat at least every other day.