BEET AND VEGETABLE BORSHCH

[Olga Drozd]

CROCK POT BEET AND VEGETABLE BORSHCH:

Gloriously colourful, the vegetables in this soup glow like jewels in a bowl. Caraway seeds add an authentic touch to the stock. Choose round, red-skinned waxy potatoes because they will stay in neat cubes. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over top.

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 EACH large onion and carrot, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 bay leaf
Caraway seeds a pinch
4 beets (with leaves)
2 large red skinned potatoes
4 cups beef, chicken or vegetable stock
1 can (19 oz./540 mL) tomatoes, chopped
4 tsp. white vinegar
Salt and pepper a pinch each
1/4 cup light sour cream
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill

In a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat; fry onion, carrot, celery, bay leaf and caraway seeds, stirring often, until onion is softened, about 10 minutes. Scrape into slow-cooker.

Meanwhile, trim stalks from beets. Coarsely chop enough of the most tender leaves to make 2 cups; set aside. Peel and cube beets. Peel potatoes, if desired; cut into cubes.

Add beets, potatoes, stock and tomatoes to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until vegetables are tender.

Stir in reserved beet greens, vinegar, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes or until greens are wilted. Discard bay leaf. Garnish each bowlful with sour cream; sprinkle with dill. Makes 6 servings.

Canadian Living