When we talk about comfort foods, there are so many great recipes it’s just a matter of what type of comfort do you need! This particular dish is near and dear to me as it’s part of my cultural heritage growing up in Ukraine. It was something I always enjoyed as a kid and it brings up lots of pleasant memories.
These days as a nutrition professional I love how much powerful nutrition this dish provides. So it’s not just about comfort also about all the good things you get when you consume this. Not to mention the complexities of flavors that will sure to excite your taste buds.
What you need:
A big pot! You will want to make a lot because you will regret not having enough I guarantee it!
Ingredients:
2 pounds of cubed beef (I like pieces of beef with some bone in it as it gives a particular flavor you don’t get otherwise. Also, bone broth has its own health benefits that you can’t get from meat.)
1 big head of cabbage chopped
2 carrots chopped
1 big white onion chopped
1 16 oz crushed tomato can
3-4 potatoes chopped
1 beer (not part of the original recipe but you will like it, trust me on that)
Seasoning: juice of 1 lemon, 2-3 tsps of sugar, salt, pepper, parsley, olive oil for sauteing, sour cream to serve
Directions:
Saute the beef in a little bit of olive oil just enough until it get a little brown, add chopped onions and continue for a few minutes. Add a little salt/pepper and cover with water. Cook on low fire for 1 hr to 1 hr 30 min. Add chopped cabbage, carrots and potatoes. Stir, season again and add crushed tomatoes, beer, sugar and the juice of 1 lemon.
Cover and continue simmering on low for another hour, stirring and tasting occasionally. You’re looking for the sweet/sour/savory balance that is optimal for you. Add seasoning as needed.
Turn the fire off and add parsley. Ladle into a bowl and put a dollop of sour cream on top. Ready to eat!