BEEF BORSCHT

1/2 pound organic bacon, diced

1 pound organic grass fed beef chuck, cubed

1 cup chopped yellow onions

2 carrots, peeled and grated

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons dill seeds

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons red wine

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, plus more to taste

2 quarts water

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2 pounds organic red beets, roasted and grated

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large organic russet potato, peeled and diced

6 cups shredded organic green cabbage

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup organic sour cream

1/2 cup chopped fresh dill

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the bacon in a Dutch oven or stockpot and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat until the fat begins to render, about 3 minutes. Add the beef and cook, stirring, until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meat from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

To the fat in the pan, add the onions and carrots, and stir to coat. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, dill seeds, and bay leaves and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the red wine and vinegar. Stir to deglaze the pan. Return the meat to the pot and add the water, salt, and pepper and bring to boil. Reduce the heat and simmer partially covered until the beef is tender, about 2 hours.

Meanwhile, place the beets on a baking sheet and brush with the oil. Roast until tender and can be pierced easily with a knife, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit until cool enough to handle. Trim the stem and root ends and remove the skins. Coarsely grate and set aside.

When the meat is tender and falling apart, add the beets, potatoes, and cabbage. Simmer over low heat for another 30 minutes. Season with additional red wine vinegar, salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Ladle borscht into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and pinch of fresh dill.

Emeril Lagasse

Food Network

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