Hutchinson Beef Borscht

1 pound beef chuck, lean

2 tablespoons cooking oil

3 cups water

2 bay leaves

3 cups cabbage -- coarsely chopped

2 cups potatoes -- cubed

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

1 tablespoon parsley -- chopped

1 tablespoon instant beef bouillon granules

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

16 ounces canned tomatoes -- cut up

1/4 cup light cream or sour cream

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 cooking oil acknowledges today's generation. Traditionally the meat was browned in lard and butter. Allow about 2 hours from dicing to serving.

1. Use a lean cut of beef chuck, trimmed of fat. Cut meat into 3/4 inch pieces. In a large kettle, brown the meat, half at a time, in hot cooking oil. Return all meat to the kettle. Add water and bay leaves. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 60 minutes or till the meat is nearly tender.

2. Stir in cabbage, potatoes ,onions, green pepper, parsley, bouillon granules, and dillweed. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 30 minutes or till meat and potatoes are tender. Stir in the tomatoes; heat through. Remove from heat.

3. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves. Stir in light cream or some sour cream, to taste. Makes 6 servings.