Hutchinson Beef Borscht

Directions

1. Although partners, beet and borscht are not inseparable. Here's a borscht of beef, potatoes, cabbage and a hint of dilly-cream. The borscht was served at the annual Mennonite Relief Fair in Hutchinson, Kansas. It and other recipes were brought to the Plains generations ago by Russian, German, and Swiss. The use of veg. oil acknowledges today's generation.
2. Traditionally the meat was browned in lard and butter. Allow about 2 hrs from dicing to serving.
3. 1. Use a lean cut of beef chuck, trimmed of fat. Cut meat into 3/4 inch pcs. In a large kettle, brown the meat, half at a time, in warm veg. oil. Return all meat to the kettle. Add in water and bay leaves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 60 min or possibly until the meat is nearly tender.
4. 2. Stir in cabbage, potatoes ,onions, green pepper, parsley, bouillon granules, and dillweed. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 30 min or possibly until meat and potatoes are tender. Stir in the tomatoes; heat through. Remove from heat.
5. 3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves. Stir in light cream or possibly some lowfat sour cream, to taste.
6. Makes 6 servings.