The Market Fare's Russian Borscht Recipe

Directions:

1. The day before serving:.
2. In covered large kettle over medium-low heeat, simmer together for 2 hours: 3 cups hot water (or roast drippings if you have them-these are tastier!), beef, drained beets, carrots, onion, celery, bay leaf and salt.
3. Add tomato paste and sugar and simmer covered, 20 minutes.
4. Discard bay leaf.
5. Refrigerate.
6. About 20 minutes before serving:
7. Skim fat from soup surface.
8. Over medium heat, heat soup to boiling.
9. Add cabbage and cook till tender, about 15 minutes.
10. Stir in vinegar.
11. Remove from heat and ladle into bowls.
12. Serve, garnished with a dollop of sour cream.