Babas Borscht

Name: Baba's Borscht
Ingredients: 3 Tbsp olive oil; 2 lb beef stew meat, cut in ¾-inch cubes; 4 bay leaves; 2 quarts beef stock; 2 large onions, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 stalks celery, diced; 4 clove garlic, minced; 8 medium-size fresh beets, boiled, skinned, and shredded; 2 cup shredded cabbage; 1 small can tomato paste; Juice of 1 lemon (or 2 lemons, if you prefer); 1 handful fresh dill, minced; 1 handful fresh parsley, minced; Salt and freshly ground pepper; Sour cream (optional)