Bigos Staropolski Express (Polish Hunter’s Sauerkraut, Cabbage, Mushroom & Sausage Braise) – Authentic Poland Recipe

Ingredients for Bigos Staropolski Express (Polish Hunter’s Sauerkraut, Cabbage, Mushroom & Sausage Braise) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tangy sauerkraut and fresh cabbage, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups seared kielbasa sausage and pork/beef, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup dried forest mushrooms and prunes
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with juniper berries
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Poland seasoning (allspice, caraway seeds, bay leaf, tomato paste)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown tangy sauerkraut and fresh cabbage for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, juniper berries, and allspice, caraway seeds, bay leaf, tomato paste, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add seared kielbasa sausage and pork/beef and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in dried forest mushrooms and prunes right before serving warm.