posted by Becky 04-18-99 4:39 PM
Sweet and Sour Vegetable Soup
4 large onions, peeled and sliced.
1 bunch celery, including the leaves, diced
3 cups tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 lb. stewing beef
1 ham bone with some meat attached
2/3 can tomato paste
1 1/2 tsp. peppercorns
3/4 tsp. celery seed
1 tsp. caraway seed
1 tsp. whole cloves
5 bay leaves
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
fresh vegetables of choice
5 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
tabasco to taste
2 large ripe tomatoes
3 scallions with 3 inches of green top
sour cream
Place the vegetabes in a large soup kettle, add the beef, the ham bone and all ingredients through Worcestershire sauce.
Add enough water to cover the meat and the vegetables Cover and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
Keep the liquid level constant, adding more water when necessary.
Strain the soup (not the meat) into a large bowl, forcing as much of the pulp as possible through the strainer with a spoon.
Chop the ham, cut the beef into small, bite sized pieces. Add meats to the strained vegetables.
Wash and dice your choice of fresh vegetables (recipe suggests turnips, parsnips, and carrots, or any other combination of fresh vegetables).
Add them to the soup with the sugar, lemon juice, salt, pepper and tobasco sauce. Cook until tender. Adjust seasonings if desired.
Serve topped with chopped fresh tomato and scallion, and sour cream.