Hearty Cabbage Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 ounces smoked bacon, diced
1 lb stewing beef, cubed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups green cabbage, chopped (about 1/4 medium head)
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon orange zest, grated
7 -8 cups beef stock
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 turnips, peeled and diced
1/2 cup buckwheat groats (kasha)
sour cream, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Brown the bacon in a Dutch oven, over medium heat, until lightly browned, not necessarily crisp; remove bacon and set aside, leaving fat in pot.
Turn the heat up to high and sear the beef until lightly browned; remove beef and set aside.
Return the bacon to the pot and add the onion, celery, garlic, and cabbage; reduce heat back to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
Stir in the paprika and the orange zest.
Return the beef to the pot along with 7 cups of stock; season with salt and pepper, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.
Stir in the turnips and buckwheat groats, cover and cook until beef is tender, 30 minutes or more.
Taste and adjust seasonings; serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
NOTE: If made in advance, and/or reheated, more stock may be needed.