Heart-Healthy Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew)

Experience the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Polish cuisine with a healthy twist in this Heart-Healthy Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew). Crafted with lean turkey breast, nutrient-packed cabbage, and the vibrant tang of sauerkraut, this recipe delivers all the hearty goodness of classic bigos while keeping sodium and saturated fats in check. Infused with aromatic herbs like thyme and caraway seeds, and sweetened naturally with grated apple, this slow-simmered stew is as wholesome as it is satisfying. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prep, this lighter version of the beloved Polish staple is a delicious way to nourish your body without sacrificing flavor. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley, for a dish that warms both the heart and soul.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Lean turkey breast, cubed
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 2 medium Carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 300 grams Cabbage, shredded
• 300 grams Sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 500 milliliters Low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium Apple, peeled and grated
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cubed turkey breast and brown it on all sides. Remove the turkey from the pot and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced carrots. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the carrots start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook until it starts to wilt, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Return the turkey to the pot, along with the rinsed sauerkraut and tomato paste. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Add the bay leaf, paprika, caraway seeds, dried thyme, and grated apple to the pot. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is well combined.

Step 7

Bring the stew to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 8

Cook the stew on low heat for approximately 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together, and the turkey will become tender.

Step 9

Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust as needed.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 11

Garnish the stew with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your heart-healthy bigos!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2160.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1363.4

Total Fat 36.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 3742.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 98.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 31.3g	0%
Total Sugars 52.2g
Protein 167.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 467.0mg	0%
Iron 16.3mg	0%
Potassium 4044.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.6%

Protein: 48.1%

Carbs: 28.3%