Russian Borscht

Ingredients

• 2 cartons (64oz) beef broth (+2 cups water, or another carton of broth)
• 1 can (14oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 lb stew beef
• 8 beets, peeled. Grate half the beets to release color and flavor quickly, cut the other half into 1/2" cubes
• 4 carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2" slices
• 1 large baking potato
• 1/2 large yellow onion
• 1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly chopped
• 1 tbsp dill weed
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp thyme
• 2 tsp parsley
• 2 rounded tbsp brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large soup pot (6qt will do, 8qt will fit better). Simmer 3+ hours on medium heat, or in a crock pot on high 4+ hours.

Serve with a large dollop of sour cream, garnish with dill (fresh if possible), and serve with a side of bread. Pairs well with a dry, slightly sweet white wine such as Riesling.