Moldovan-style Borscht with Beef

Ingredients

While Ofe onugbu is a Nigerian soup made with bitter leaf and traditional Nigerian spices, Moldovan-style Borscht with Beef takes inspiration from the flavors of Moldova. This adaptation replaces the bitter leaf with cabbage and incorporates Moldovan spices and ingredients to create a unique and delicious twist on the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Ofe onugbu, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 small cabbage, shredded 1/2 small cabbage, shredded
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill, for garnish Fresh dill, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced carrots, cubed potatoes, shredded cabbage, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Return the browned beef to the pot and add the tomato paste, vinegar, bay leaf, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Moldovan-style Borscht with Beef hot, garnished with fresh dill.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For a more tender result, choose a cut of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or stewing beef.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a dollop of sour cream to each serving.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes before serving.
• Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as bell peppers or green beans, to customize the soup to your liking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make for a delicious next-day meal.
• Serve the Moldovan-style Borscht with Beef with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Moldovan-style Borscht with Beef hot, garnished with fresh dill. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Moldovan-style Borscht with Beef in individual bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh dill for an added touch of freshness.