Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage Soup

Now that Fall is rapidly approaching Winter, my thoughts are turning to comfort foods. Dishes warm and nuturing to satisfy our souls on cold, dreary days. This recipe for beef and cabbage soup meets that criteria. It's a meal in a pot - very hearty and satisfying. All you need to add is some warm, crusty bread, and you're good to go.

Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage Soup

2 Tbls. butter or vegetable oil
2 lbs. lean beef stew meat, well trimmed
1 small head of green cabbage
2 cups coarsly grated carrots
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp. caraway seeds
salt and pepper, to taste
1 large can tomato sauce or puree
1 Tbls. tomato paste
3 Tbls. dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp. sour salt (citric acid)
7 cups of water

Melt butter or oil in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add meat and brown. Add onions, saute briefly until soft. Add water, bring to a boil, skim any foam off top. Add tomato sauce and paste, cover and simmer for 1 hour. Add rest of vegetables, caraway seeds, s & p, brown sugar, and sour salt, cover and simmer 1 hour. Enjoy!