Hapankaalikeitto (Finnish Sauerkraut Soup) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb beef, trimmed fat, and cut into small cubes
1 ham bone (or a few chunks smoked ham)
3 cups sauerkraut
6 cups beef stock
2 bay leaves
10 whole allspice
salt
fresh ground black pepper
sour cream (to garnish)

Preparation

Place the beef cubes and ham bone in a large sauce pan with the sauerkraut, stock, and allspice.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 2 and 1/2 hours over medium-low heat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove allspice berries and bay leaves.
When ready to serve, ladle into big bowls, top with a spoonful of thick sour cream, and take to the table with chunks of rye bread and a bowl of sour cream to pass around the table.