Fry the ham in oil for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then cut the onion, grate the carrot and stir them into the saucepan with the ham
Put the shredded cabbage in the saucepan with the ham and add water to cover everything. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer.
When the cabbage is boiled add the beef stock cube, the tomato paste and the borscht or lemon juice then let it simmer for anther 10 to 15 minutes.