Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew

Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew Recipe - Delicious and Hearty Meal

Region / culture: Russia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold winter days. This stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, savory vegetables, and a rich tomato broth. The addition of cabbage adds a unique and delicious twist to this classic stew.

History

Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew has its roots in traditional Russian cuisine. Cabbage has long been a staple in Russian cooking, as it is a hearty and versatile vegetable that can be grown in cold climates. This stew is a popular dish in Russia, especially during the winter months when hearty and warming meals are most appreciated.

Ingredients

1 x 2 lb (907 g) boneless chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
2 cup chopped onion
1 small head cabbage (about 1.5 lb (680 g)), shredded
1 x 28 oz (794 g) can tomato purée
1 x 28 oz (794 g) can diced tomatoes
1.5 cup sliced carrots
1 cup diced green bell pepper
0.25 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt

How to prepare

Season the meat with salt and pepper and place it in a large pot or dutch oven.
Add the onions and enough water to cover the meat (about 2 qt (1.89 liter)).
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
Add all the remaining vegetables and the brown sugar.
Cover and simmer for 2 hours longer.
Skim the fat from the top of the stew using a spoon.
Serve the stew in bowls, each topped with 1 rounded tablespoon of yogurt.

Variations

Add a splash of red wine or beef broth for extra depth of flavor.
Swap out the beef for pork or chicken for a different twist on this classic stew.
Add a pinch of paprika or caraway seeds for a touch of spice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For extra flavor, brown the beef cubes in a hot skillet before adding them to the pot.

- Be sure to skim the fat from the top of the stew before serving to remove any excess grease.

- Serve the stew with a dollop of sour cream for an authentic Russian touch.

Serving Suggestions

Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. A side salad or steamed vegetables would also complement this hearty stew nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering

- Skimming

- Braising

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red bell pepper instead of green bell pepper for a sweeter flavor.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar for a different sweetness.

Make Ahead Tips

Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew in individual bowls, topped with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Garnish with a wedge of lemon for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. A side of crusty bread or garlic toast would also be a delicious accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew in a pot on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 7g

- Sugars: 18g

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 4g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120%

- Vitamin C: 80%

- Calcium: 15%

- Iron: 25%

Alergens

Dairy (yogurt)

Summary

Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that will keep you full and energized.

Summary

Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, savory vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, this stew is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Russia. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was the one who introduced me to this hearty and comforting dish.

She had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a family tradition that had been passed down through the generations, and I was eager to learn all the secrets of making this delicious stew.

My grandmother and I would spend hours in the kitchen together, chopping vegetables, searing meat, and simmering the stew on the stove. She would tell me stories of her own childhood, of the hardships and joys of growing up in Russia, and of the importance of gathering around the table with loved ones to share a meal.

I remember the first time I took a bite of that stew - the tender pieces of beef, the sweet and tangy cabbage, the rich and flavorful broth. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this would become one of my favorite dishes to make for my own family someday.

As I grew older, I continued to make the Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a dish that everyone looked forward to, a comfort food that brought warmth and nourishment to both body and soul.

Over the years, I have added my own twists and variations to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own. But the heart of the dish remains the same - the love and tradition that have been passed down through the generations.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing this stew for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the gift that my grandmother gave me all those years ago. The gift of a recipe, a tradition, a connection to my roots and my heritage.

And as I serve the steaming bowls of Russian Beef and Cabbage Stew to my family, I know that I am passing on more than just a meal. I am passing on a piece of myself, a piece of my history, a piece of the love and warmth that has sustained my family for generations.

So here's to my grandmother, and to all the grandmothers who have shared their recipes and their stories with us. May we continue to honor their legacy by cooking with love, sharing with joy, and gathering around the table to create new memories and traditions of our own.