Try something different tonight with this classic Russian favorite.  Serve hot and top with sour cream for extra goodness.  Serves 8.

 

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds bone-in beef shank
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 6 cups water
  • 1/2 pound carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 stalks celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1/3 medium head cabbage, shredded
  • 1 pound beets, peeled and shredded
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown beef in oil. Stir in onion and water, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 hours, until meat is tender.
  2. Remove meat from broth and set aside to cool slightly. Stir carrots, celery, cabbage, beets, tomato juice, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper into broth. When meat is cool enough to handle, cut meat from bone and into bite-size pieces and return to soup. Simmer until vegetables are tender, 20 to 30 minutes.