Beef and Beet Borscht

Beef and Beet Borscht: A Hearty and Nutritious Soup
Beef and Beet Borscht is a classic Eastern European soup that is both hearty and nutritious. This dish is perfect for cold winter days, as it warms you up from the inside out. The combination of tender beef, earthy beets, and tangy sour cream creates a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients (serves 4):

- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into small cubes
- 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream and fresh dill for garnish

Cooking tips:

- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to cook the soup, as it will distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
- Brown the beef cubes before adding them to the soup to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Grate the beets using a food processor or a box grater to save time and effort.
- Add the sour cream and dill just before serving to preserve their freshness and flavor.

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the grated beets, beef broth, water, bay leaf, and thyme to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh dill.
Appearance and taste:
Beef and Beet Borscht is a vibrant and colorful soup that is sure to catch your eye. The deep red color of the beets contrasts beautifully with the tender beef cubes and the creamy white sour cream. The aroma of the soup is rich and savory, with hints of thyme and garlic. The taste is equally satisfying, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the beets add a slightly earthy and sweet taste to the soup.
Type of dish: Soup
Main ingredients: Beef, beets, sour cream