beef goulash soup - day 4!

Well, it's not exactly 'boeuf bourguignon', but I'm no Julia Child! :) It sure is tasty, however, and rolls in at a whopping 188 calories per serving! 

This Better Homes and Gardens recipe is published on recipe.com and has a unique ingredient that contributes to it's hearty flavor - cocoa powder. [Weird, I know, but trust me on this one...] For 188 calories, you can have two or three bowls! 

TIP: If you are a fan of game, use venison instead of top sirloin. It's quite lean and when soaked in milk and tenderizer turns out to be an excellent substitute! 

Beef Goulash Soup

6 ounces boneless beef top sirloin steak

1 t. olive oil

1/2 cup chopped onion [one medium]

2 cups water

1 14-oz can beef broth

1 14 1/2 ounce can low-sodium tomatoes, undrained and cut up

1/2 cup thinly sliced carrot

1 t. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup thinly sliced cabbage

1 oz. dried wide noodles [about 1/2 cup]

2 t. paprika

1/4 cup light dairy sour cream

snipped fresh parsley [optional]

additional paprika [optional]

Trim fat from steak. Cut steak into 1/2-inch cubes. In large saucepan cook and stir steak cubes in hot oil over medium-high heat about 6 minutes or until beef is brown. Add onion; cook and stir about 3 minutes more or until tender.

Stir in the water, broth, undrained tomatoes, carrot, cocoa powder, and garlic. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes or until beef is tender.

Stir in the cabbage, uncooked noodles, and the 2 teaspoons of paprika. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 7 minutes more or until noodles are tender but still firm. Remove from heat. Top each serving with some of the sour cream. If desired, sprinkle with parsley and additional paprika.