What is Bigos? If you haven’t heard of it, then you’re missing out on one of the most popular dishes all over the world.
To celebrate this tasty delicacy, January 20th marks World Bigos Day – a day to honor this flavorful Polish dish and its variations!
Discover how this traditional dish is celebrated around the world with us today!
What Is World Bigos Day?
An annual event celebrated on the first Saturday of December, World Bigos Day is a day to eat, share, and enjoy bigos—a traditional Polish dish made of sauerkraut and meat. While the exact origins of bigos are unknown, it is thought to date back to the Middle Ages when it was served as a hunting stew. Today, there are many different versions of bigos, with each cook putting their own spin on the dish. Whether you like your bigos mild or spicy, sweet or savory, there’s a recipe out there for everyone.
So why not celebrate World Bigos Day by cooking up a batch of this hearty stew? Invite some friends over and enjoy a delicious meal together. And don’t forget to share your photos and recipes on social media using the hashtag #WorldBigosDay!
History of Bigos
The dish known as bigos has a long and storied history, dating back hundreds of years to its origins in Poland. Today, it is enjoyed by people all over the world, and every year on December 21st, we celebrate World Bigos Day.
Bigos is believed to have originated in the 14th century, during the reign of Władysław II Jagiełło. It was originally made with cabbage and wild game meats, and was meant to be a way to preserve meat for the winter months. Over time, the recipe for bigos has evolved and now includes a variety of ingredients, but the core principle remains the same: a hearty stew that is perfect for a cold winter day.
There are many regional variations of bigos, but the most popular version is made with sauerkraut, beef, pork, mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Other common ingredients include red wine, bay leaves, peppercorns, and juniper berries. The key to making a good bigos is to slowly cook it over a low heat so that all of the flavors have time to meld together.
If you’ve never tried bigos before, World Bigos Day is the perfect time to give it a go. Head to your local Polish restaurant or make it at home using one of the many recipes that are available online. Just make sure to invite some friends over so you can enjoy this delicious dish together
Traditional Recipe and Variations of Bigos
Polish bigos, also known as hunter’s stew, is a hearty dish made with meat, cabbage, and sauerkraut. The traditional recipe calls for beef, pork, and bacon, but variations of the dish can be made with chicken or even vegetarian.
Bigos is typically served with mashed potatoes or dumplings, and is a popular winter dish in Poland. It is said that the longer bigos cooks, the better it tastes, so many people make a big batch and let it simmer for days.
There are many different ways to make bigos, and each family has their own secret recipe. Some common ingredients include: chopped onions, fresh mushrooms, garlic, tomato paste, red wine, bay leaves, juniper berries, and allspice. The key to making a good bigos is to let the flavors meld together over time – so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Benefits of Eating Bigos
There are many benefits to eating bigos. For one, it is a very hearty dish that will fill you up and keep you feeling satisfied for hours. Additionally, it is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that are good for your health. Bigos is also relatively easy to make, so you can save time and money by preparing it at home.
Bigos is also a great source of dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and improve your digestion. The combination of meats, vegetables, and spices provide a great source of vitamins and minerals as well. Additionally, the various ingredients in bigos make for a delicious flavor experience that may have you wanting more after just one bite!
Tips on Preparing the Dish
1. Start with a base of sauerkraut. You can either make your own or buy it pre-made.
2. Add in any meats you like. Common choices include smoked sausage, bacon, ham, or pork chops.
3. Once you’ve added your meats, begin to add in chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
4. Now it’s time to add the secret ingredient: fresh apples! This will give the Bigos its unique sweetness.
5. Finally, pour in a can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and some water. Simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve hot with some hearty bread on the side.
Celebration Ideas for World Bigos Day
World Bigos Day is celebrated annually on October 21st. Bigos is a traditional Polish dish made of sauerkraut, meat, and vegetables. The dish is slow-cooked and typically served with mashed potatoes or dumplings.
There are many ways to celebrate World Bigos Day. Here are a few ideas:
-Host a Bigos cooking party: invite friends and family over to help prepare the dish. Serve it with some traditional Polish side dishes and drinks.
-Visit a Polish restaurant or deli that serves Bigos: enjoy a taste of the dish while supporting your local Polish business.
-Make your own Bigos at home: there are many recipes available online. Share your creation with friends and family, or freeze some for future enjoyment.
-Celebrate with Bigos-inspired crafts: make paper plates or party decorations in the shape of Bigos.
-Throw a Bigos-themed party: serve traditional Polish foods and drinks, dress in traditional clothing, play traditional music, and learn about the history of this delicious dish.
We hope this article has introduced you to the tasty and nutritious dish of bigos, as well as highlighted why World Bigos Day is celebrated. If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to try making or ordering some bigos for a delicious meal with friends and family. Who knows – after sampling the flavor of authentic bigos, it might become your favorite traditional Polish food!
