Serves 8.
SCRUB THE beets, trim the ends, and grate. Chop or slice the turnips, potato, and carrots. Beets can be messy to prepare, so grate them last (and don't wear white!). In a large stockpot, saute the onion in margarine or butter for a few minutes, then add the caraway and the rest of the vegetables. Add the stock and the remaining ingredients. If you use fresh dill, add it at the end. Cover and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, testing occasionally for doneness. Once cooked, you can puree this soup in a blender or food processor for a more delicate texture. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or a sprig of dill. Serves 8.
You can see how the past has come to pass //
in the ferns and sweepings of ore and text //
that shadowed such narratives as had been scratched, //
as though any hotel guest could wipe the blight away //
and in so doing, be redeemed for the moment.
-- John Ashbery, "Tension in the Rocks"
This page was last modified on 2011 December 20.