Pot Roast Soup

Season beef with pepper and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 4 minutes. Add wine and bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Add potatoes, onions, carrots and mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, with their juices, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute.

Add broth, thyme, bay leaf and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until the beef is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

Whisk sour cream and pepper in a small bowl. Serve the soup topped with the sour cream.