Ukrainian Borscht

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water
• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 medium beet, peeled and grated
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream and fresh parsley for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add beef stew meat and boil for 10 minutes.
2. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
3. Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and grated beet to the pot. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, white vinegar and dill to the pot. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley.