Paleo Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew)

Experience the rich, hearty flavors of tradition with this Paleo Bigos (Polish Hunter's Stew), a modern twist on the beloved Eastern European classic. Perfect for paleo enthusiasts, this wholesome, filling dish combines chunks of tender pork shoulder, beef stew meat, and crispy bacon with nutrient-packed cabbage, tangy sauerkraut, and an aromatic blend of spices like juniper berries, bay leaves, and caraway seeds. Slow-cooked to perfection in a savory beef broth, this one-pot wonder is bursting with depth and complexity, thanks to the natural sweetness of carrots, earthy mushrooms, and juicy plum tomatoes. Perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meal prep, this paleo-friendly stew is a comforting and satisfying way to enjoy a taste of authentic Polish cuisine with a health-conscious twist. Serve piping hot and savor every spoonful!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork shoulder
• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 large head cabbage
• 2 cups sauerkraut
• 2 medium onions
• 2 large carrots
• 8 ounces mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic
• 4 large plum tomatoes
• 3 bay leaves
• 6 juniper berries
• 10 black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups beef broth

Directions

Step 1

Cut the pork shoulder and beef stew meat into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

Chop the bacon into small pieces. In a large stew pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.

Step 3

Add the olive oil to the pot with the bacon fat. Brown the pork and beef in batches, ensuring each piece is browned on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside.

Step 4

Chop the onions and slice the carrots. Add them to the pot and saute for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic. Add them to the pot and saute for another 2 minutes.

Step 6

Chop the cabbage into 1-inch pieces and dice the plum tomatoes. Add them, along with the sauerkraut, to the pot.

Step 7

Return the bacon, browned meats, and any accumulated juices to the pot.

Step 8

Add the bay leaves, juniper berries, black peppercorns, caraway seeds, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

Step 9

Pour in the beef broth, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 10

Bring the stew to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook slowly for about 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 11

Check the seasoning and adjust with additional salt and black pepper if necessary.

Step 12

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot, with additional paprika or caraway seeds if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3688.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3535.6

Total Fat 188.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.0g
Cholesterol 867.2mg	0%
Sodium 8931.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 174.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 56.2g	0%
Total Sugars 60.9g
Protein 281.5g	0%

Vitamin D 18.9IU	0%
Calcium 916.8mg	0%
Iron 32.6mg	0%
Potassium 8487.1mg	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: 48.2%

Protein: 32.0%

Carbs: 19.8%