Description
Polish Hunter’s Stew (Bigos) delivers hearty comfort with tender meatballs simmering in rich, tangy broth. Savory layers of sauerkraut, meats, and traditional spices invite you to explore Poland’s beloved culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 20 cooked Italian meatballs, thawed if frozen
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 small carrots, peeled and sliced thin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 48 ounces (1.4 liters) carton low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1/2 cup (80 grams) uncooked orzo pasta
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high temperature. Sauté diced onions and sliced carrots for 5 minutes until softened. Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic. Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper to enhance the vegetable base.
- Pour chicken broth and lemon juice into the pot, increasing heat to boil. Introduce uncooked orzo pasta, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer gently, stirring periodically, for approximately 8 minutes until pasta approaches al dente consistency.
- Gently slide prepared meatballs into the simmering liquid. Continue cooking for 7 minutes, ensuring meatballs warm thoroughly and pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
- Remove pot from heat. Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference.
- Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls. Offer additional Parmesan cheese at the table for guests who desire extra garnish. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Enhance vegetable flavor by caramelizing onions slightly longer for deeper, richer taste profile.
- Select lean ground meat like turkey or chicken for healthier meatball variation without compromising texture.
- Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa as alternative pasta for celiac or low-carb dietary needs.
- Add extra fresh herbs like basil or dill to brighten overall soup complexity and provide unique aromatic dimension.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg