Belarus Sashni is a traditional dish from Belarus, a country located in Eastern Europe. This dish is a hearty, comforting stew made with beef, vegetables, and potatoes. It is a popular dish in Belarusian households and is often served during special occasions and holidays.

Belarus Sashni is a hearty and comforting stew that is perfect for cold winter nights or as a special dish during holiday celebrations. The beef is the star of the dish, and it is usually made with chuck, which is a flavorful and affordable cut that becomes tender and juicy when cooked slowly in liquid. The beef is browned first to add extra flavor and to create a crust that will help keep it moist during the long cooking process.

The vegetables used in Belarus Sashni are simple and rustic, and they add a lot of texture and flavor to the dish. The potatoes are chopped into bite-sized pieces and absorb the flavors of the broth, becoming soft and creamy. The carrots add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish, and they also add some extra vitamins and minerals. The onions and garlic are the base of the dish, providing a savory and aromatic flavor that permeates through the stew.

The seasonings used in Belarus Sashni are simple but effective. The tomato paste adds a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the stew, while the paprika adds a smoky and slightly spicy note. The dried thyme adds an herbal and slightly floral flavor, which complements the savory flavors of the beef and vegetables. The bay leaves add a subtle earthy flavor and are traditionally used in stews and soups to add depth and complexity.

Belarus Sashni is usually served hot, and it can be garnished with fresh parsley for some extra color and freshness. This dish is often accompanied by some crusty bread or boiled potatoes, which can be used to soak up the delicious broth. The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors will only become richer and more complex with time.

Here is a step-by-step method to prepare Belarus Sashni:

Ingredients:

1- 1 kg beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces

2- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces

3- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces

4- 1 large onion, finely chopped

5- 2 garlic cloves, minced

6- 2 bay leaves

7- 1 tablespoon tomato paste

8- 1 teaspoon paprika

9- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

10- 1 teaspoon salt

11- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

12- 2 cups beef broth

13- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

14- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

method

Step 1:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2:

In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4:

Add the tomato paste, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 5:

Add the beef back into the pot and pour in the beef broth. Add the bay leaves and stir to combine.

Step 6:

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 7:

Once the stew is ready, remove the bay leaves and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes:

This dish is best served hot, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Facts:

This dish is high in protein and contains a good amount of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. The exact nutritional values will depend on the specific ingredients used and serving size.

Here are the nutritional values for each of the ingredients listed:

Beef chuck (1 kg)

• Calories: ~2780 kcal
• Protein: ~208 g
• Fat: ~216 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:

• Protein-rich: Essential for muscle building and repair.
• Iron: Supports oxygen transport in the blood.
• Zinc: Strengthens the immune system and aids in cell division.
• Vitamin B12: Important for nerve function and red blood cell production.

Potatoes (4 large, approx. 800 g)

• Calories: ~616 kcal
• Protein: ~16 g
• Fat: ~0.8 g
• Carbohydrates: ~136 g

benefits:

• Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and skin health.
• Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and heart function.
• Fiber: Promotes digestive health and helps control blood sugar levels.
• Vitamin B6: Supports brain health and energy metabolism.

Carrots (2 large, approx. 150 g)

• Calories: ~52 kcal
• Protein: ~1.2 g
• Fat: ~0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: ~12.2 g

benefits:

• Beta-carotene: Converted to vitamin A, which is crucial for vision and immune function.
• Fiber: Aids in digestion and prevents constipation.
• Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage by free radicals.
• Vitamin K1: Important for bone health and blood clotting.

Onion (1 large, approx. 150 g)

• Calories: ~60 kcal
• Protein: ~1.6 g
• Fat: ~0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: ~14 g

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Protect against oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Quercetin: May lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
• Vitamin C: Supports immune function and collagen synthesis.
• Fiber: Promotes digestive health.

Garlic (2 cloves, approx. 6 g)

• Calories: ~9 kcal
• Protein: ~0.4 g
• Fat: ~0 g
• Carbohydrates: ~2 g

benefits:

• Allicin: Has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
• Heart health: May reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Immune support: Enhances the immune system's function.
• Antioxidants: Protect against cell damage and aging.

Bay leaves (2 leaves, approx. 1 g)

• Calories: ~2 kcal
• Protein: ~0.1 g
• Fat: ~0 g
• Carbohydrates: ~0.5 g

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Help combat oxidative stress.
• Anti-inflammatory: May reduce inflammation in the body.
• Digestive aid: Can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce bloating.
• Vitamin A: Supports vision and skin health.

Tomato paste (1 tablespoon, approx. 16 g)

• Calories: ~14 kcal
• Protein: ~0.7 g
• Fat: ~0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~3.4 g

benefits:

• Lycopene: An antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers.
• Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and aids in iron absorption.
• Potassium: Supports heart health and muscle function.
• Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion.

Paprika (1 teaspoon, approx. 2 g)

• Calories: ~6 kcal
• Protein: ~0.3 g
• Fat: ~0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: ~1.2 g

benefits:

• Vitamin A: Supports vision, immune function, and skin health.
• Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory: May reduce inflammation in the body.
• Vitamin E: Promotes healthy skin and eyes.

Dried thyme (1 teaspoon, approx. 1 g)

• Calories: ~3 kcal
• Protein: ~0.2 g
• Fat: ~0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~0.7 g

benefits:

• Antimicrobial: Can help fight infections.
• Antioxidants: Protect against free radical damage.
• Vitamin C: Supports immune health.
• Manganese: Important for bone health and metabolism.

Salt (1 teaspoon, approx. 6 g)

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:

• Electrolyte balance: Maintains proper fluid balance and muscle function.
• Iodine (if iodized): Supports thyroid function and hormone production.
• Flavor enhancement: Makes food more palatable.

Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, approx. 1 g)

• Calories: ~3 kcal
• Protein: ~0.1 g
• Fat: ~0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~0.6 g

benefits:

• Piperine: Enhances nutrient absorption and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Antioxidants: Protect against cell damage.
• Digestive aid: Stimulates the production of digestive enzymes.
• Immune support: Has antibacterial properties.

Beef broth (2 cups, approx. 480 ml)

• Calories: ~30 kcal
• Protein: ~6 g
• Fat: ~1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~2 g

benefits:

• Collagen: Supports joint health and skin elasticity.
• Minerals: Provides calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus for bone health.
• Amino acids: Promote gut health and reduce inflammation.
• Hydration: Helps maintain fluid balance in the body.

Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, approx. 28 g)

• Calories: ~240 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: ~28 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:

• Healthy fats: Provide energy and support cell function.
• Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and promotes skin health.
• Omega-6 fatty acids: Essential for brain function and cell growth.
• Anti-inflammatory: Some oils have anti-inflammatory properties.

Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, approx. 4 g)

• Calories: ~1 kcal
• Protein: ~0.1 g
• Fat: ~0 g
• Carbohydrates: ~0.2 g

benefits:

• Vitamin K: Crucial for blood clotting and bone health.
• Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
• Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage.
• Folate: Important for DNA synthesis and repair.

These values are approximations and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods