As you know, Ukraine is under fire, the heart wrenching photos coming from that country are more than I can handle. But right here in our community, a baker I featured last year is living with the unknown, as her family is still in Ukraine. Natasha Haumesser of Petroca's Pastries and Mixings in Mt. View knows first hand the stress and worry, day in and day out. She hasn't seen her family in 15 years, adding to the heartache as her country is being bombed. While I can't do more than pray and support my friends on the front line of reality, I can share a recipe from Ukraine that Natasha was so kind to share with me. Food is our common core, it's something we all do, something we must do. Food heals, comforts, supports and celebrates the good times, and bad. So, in honor of Ukraine and Natasha, a popular Ukrainian dish can be made to taste a bit of Ukraine while we pray and wait. If you would like to support Nastasha beyond this recipe, check out her Facebook page for her meals and desserts, as they are raising money to send to her homeland. Make food, not war!!
Borscht ( Beet soup)
3 beets peeled and shredded
1 yellow onion chopped
2 carrots peeled and shredded
6 potatoes cut and chopped
2 cans of spaghetti sauce
6 cups of beef broth
2 cups of water
1 head of cabbage cored and thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic
Fresh dill to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Peel, grate and cut all vegetables (keeping cut potatoes in cold water to prevent browning until ready to use then drain).
2. Heat a large soup pot (5 1/2 Qt or larger) over medium/high heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Add grated beets, onions, carrots sauté 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are softened. Add 2 cans of spaghetti sauce and let that cook for about 10 minutes
3. Add 6 cups broth and 2 cups water. Add sliced potatoes and sliced carrots then cook for 10-15 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork
4. Add shredded cabbage and look until soft
5. Lastly add squeezed garlic and fresh dill , salt and pepper
6. Serve and enjoy.
