Borscht

Ingredients

• 1-2 lbs red beets, peeled and cut into bite sized peices
• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 Tablespoon cooking oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped finely
• 2-3 fresh tomatoes, crushed
• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 fennel bulb, chopped into small cubes
• 2-3 medium carrots peeled and sliced
• 4 Tablespoons of quality vinegar (balsamic, sherry, or red wine)
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)