Russian beef borscht

12 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsLean beef in 1/2 inch cubes
2cansBeef broth
Water *
6ouncesTomato paste
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonWhite pepper
½teaspoonBlack pepper
1tablespoonVegetable oil
3largesGarlic cloves,minced
2largesOnions sliced (2 cups)
4cupsCoarsely shredded beets
4cupsCoarsely shredded cabbage
2cupsCoarsley shredded carrots
cupThinly sliced celery
¼cupMinced fresh parsley OR
2tablespoonsDried parsley flakes
teaspoonDried dillweed
1teaspoonDill seed
1teaspoonCelery seed
2Bay leaves
teaspoonSugar

Directions

Servings: 12

Fresh lemon juice**

*Add enough water to beef broth to make 12 cups liquid. **Use 2 to 4 tablespoons of lemon juice or to taste.

1. Brown beef quickly and transfer to a very large soup kettle.

2. Add broth and water, tomato paste, salt, white and black pepper.

Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1½ hours.

3. In skillet, heat oil, add garlic and onions and saute for 5 minutes. When meat is done, add to soup kettle with remaining ingredients. Bring back to boil, reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves before serving.

NOTE: The flavor of this soup improves with reheating. This is a large recipe and leftovers can be frozen. Offer plain yogurt as a topping, unless this is to be a kosher meal, and serve with pumpernickel or rye bread or rolls.

Posted by Sheila Exner. Posted by Fred Peters.