Place meat, bones, bay leaves, fresh beets, onions, garlic, chicken stock, and a 1/2 tsp salt in a deep pot.
– If using canned beats, add them at the end – juice and all
Add distilled water to cover
Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour
Add tomatoes, shredded cabbage and cook 1/2 hour more
Add lemon, sugar and salt
– add in increments, and taste as you go for sweet/sour balance
Cool on counter
Remove pieces of meat and the bones
Cover and refrigerate overnight
Skim solidified fat
Serve cold with sour cream and dill and pieces of meat added back in.
