Smoky Pork Stew With Cabbage And Sauerkraut

Name: Try making this classic Polish stew in a slow cooker
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Ingredients: 1-2 tablespoon expeller-pressed vegetable oil or bacon fat; 2 pound boneless pork country ribs or pork shoulder, in 2-inch chunks; 1/2 ounce dried porcini or dried mixed mushrooms; 2 medium (total 8 ounces) yellow onions, roughly chopped; 1/2 (8 ounces) small head green cabbage, quartered, cored, roughly chopped (or a combination of red and green cabbages), 4 to 5 cups total; 2 large cloves garlic, crushed; 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms; 1/2 cup pilsner-style beer; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cup drained refrigerated or deli-counter sauerkraut, 8 ounces; 4-6 ounce smoked ham, canadian bacon or smoked pork butt, cut in large chunk; 10-12 ounce cooked smoked polish sausages, pork or chicken kielbasa, sliced ½ inch thick; small golden potatoes, boiled whole and buttered, for serving; hearty rye bread and soft butter, for serving; creamy horseradish sauce or spicy brown mustard, for serving

JeanMarie Brownson|Sept. 9, 2021 2:41 pm EST

4.5 (2 ratings)

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Pork stew with melted cabbage and sauerkraut is a hearty, tangy, satisfying dish suited for cold winter nights. Some version of this pork and cabbage stew, called bigos, is enjoyed throughout Poland, where it is considered the national dish.

Prep Time

30

minutes

Cook Time

6

hours

Servings

6

Smoky Pork Stew With Cabbage and Sauerkraut

Total time: 6 hours, 30 minutes

Ingredients

1-2 tablespoon expeller-pressed vegetable oil or bacon fat
2 pound boneless pork country ribs or pork shoulder, in 2-inch chunks
1/2 ounce dried porcini or dried mixed mushrooms
2 medium (total 8 ounces) yellow onions, roughly chopped
1/2 (8 ounces) small head green cabbage, quartered, cored, roughly chopped (or a combination of red and green cabbages), 4 to 5 cups total
2 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup pilsner-style beer
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup drained refrigerated or deli-counter sauerkraut, 8 ounces
4-6 ounce smoked ham, canadian bacon or smoked pork butt, cut in large chunk
10-12 ounce cooked smoked polish sausages, pork or chicken kielbasa, sliced ½ inch thick
small golden potatoes, boiled whole and buttered, for serving
hearty rye bread and soft butter, for serving
creamy horseradish sauce or spicy brown mustard, for serving

Directions

Step 1: In large nonstick skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Working in batches, brown 2 pounds pork on all sides, about 10 minutes per batch. Transfer to a 4-quart slow cooker.
Step 2: Meanwhile, cover 1/2 ounce porcini mushrooms with 1 cup very hot water; let stand until rehydrated, about 20 minutes. Strain the soaking liquid to remove any grit. Stir mushrooms and strained liquid into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Stir 2 chopped onions into pan drippings in skillet. Cook and stir until brown, 5 minutes. Add 8 ounces chopped cabbage; cook and stir about 4 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves garlic; cook, 1 minute. Stir in 1 cup fresh mushrooms, 1/2 cup beer, 1/4 tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds, 1/2 teaspoon salt and ⅓ cup water. Mix well, then transfer to slow cooker.
Step 4: Add 1 1/2 cups sauerkraut and 4-6 ounces ham chunks to slow cooker. Cover tightly. Slow-cook on low, stirring occasionally, until fresh pork is fork-tender, about 6 hours. Add 10-12 ounces sausage slices during the last 30 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve with boiled potatoes, bread and horseradish sauce or mustard.