Ukrainian Borsch - The Local Palate

Ingredients

• 3 pounds red beets, scrubbed, 2 pounds left whole and 1 pound peeled and diced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
• 1 large dill pickle, cut into ½-inch cubes, plus ½ cup pickle juice
• 1 cup sour cream, for garnish
• 1 bunch fresh dill, chopped