Dad'S Portuguese Sopas (Meat Soup) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 to 5 lb. chuck roast
1 large onion
2 to 3 qt. water
1 Tbsp. pickling spices
1/2 cinnamon stick
1/2 c. cooking wine
2 cloves garlic
1 head cabbage (optional)
1/2 c. tomato sauce (optional)
sprigs of fresh mint
salt to taste and pepper
1 loaf sweet French bread, sliced

Preparation

Bring water to boil; add meat, spices tied in a clean cloth (cheesecloth), wine, onion, sauce, mint and salt.
Cover and cook until meat is tender, about 3 hours.
Add sliced cabbage, cook until tender.
Place bread slices and a sprig of mint on top in a deep dish.
Pour hot broth and cabbage over bread.
Remove meat to a separate platter and serve.
Makes 6 to 10 servings.