Hearty Beef and Pickle Soup

Ingredients

• 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
• 3 pickles, diced 3 pickles, diced
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots, and sauté until they become tender and slightly golden.
2. 2.
   Add the beef cubes to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Pour in the beef broth and water, and bring to a boil. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and add the potatoes, pickles, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and dried dill. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the beef and potatoes are tender.
5. 5.
   Season with salt to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaves and serve the Rassolnik hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For a more tender result, choose a cut of beef that is suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or stewing beef.
• Pickles — Opt for crunchy and tangy pickles to add a burst of flavor to the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of pickle brine to the soup.
• For a thicker consistency, mash some of the cooked potatoes before serving.
• Serve the Rassolnik with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of pickles according to your preference for a more or less tangy flavor.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have a chance to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Rassolnik hot in bowls, garnished with fresh dill. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

When serving Rassolnik, ensure that each bowl contains a generous amount of beef, potatoes, and pickles. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the aromatic herbs will make the soup visually appealing. Consider using a rustic-style bowl to enhance the traditional feel of the dish.