Hutsul Varya - A Hearty Ukrainian Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 liter (4 cups) beef or vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) beef or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. 4.
   Return the beef to the pot and add the potatoes, carrots, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before slicing them. If using dried mushrooms, rehydrate them in warm water before adding them to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can sear the beef cubes before adding them to the pot.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans for added variety.
• Serve Hutsul Varya with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of creaminess and freshness.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
• This dish pairs well with crusty bread or Ukrainian cornbread (pampushky).

Serving advice

Serve Hutsul Varya hot in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or pampushky for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some paprika or smoked paprika on top of the dish before serving. This adds a pop of color and a hint of smokiness.