Hunter's Stew (Bigos)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs sauerkraut (drained, rinsed)
• 1 lb fresh cabbage (shredded)
• 1 lb kielbasa (sliced)
• 1/2 lb bacon (diced)
• 1 lb pork shoulder (cubed)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 1 oz dried mushrooms (soaked, chopped)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 5 allspice berries
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance sourness)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove bacon, keep the fat.

2. 2

   Brown pork shoulder cubes in the bacon fat. Remove and set aside.

3. 3

   Sauté onion in the same pot until soft. Add sliced kielbasa, cook 3-4 minutes.

4. 4

   Add sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, tomatoes, soaked mushrooms (with soaking liquid), red wine, bay leaves, and allspice.

5. 5

   Return pork and bacon to the pot. Add enough water to just cover everything.

6. 6

   Bring to a boil, then reduce to low simmer. Cook 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

7. 7

   Season with salt, pepper, and sugar to balance the sourness. Remove bay leaves.