Ilene, here is one that I like. I got it from The New German Cookbook by Jean Anderson and Hedy Wurz.
Goulash Soup (gulaschsuppe)
makes 6 servings
2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 Tbls. butter
4 medium size yellow onions, peeled and chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 Tbls. Hungarian sweet rose paprika
1 tsp. dried thyme
4 cups cold water
2 cups rich beef broth
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 pound green beans, snapped into 1 inch lengths (optional)
3 Tbls. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Brown the beef in two batches in 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large heavy pan over high heat. As the beef browns, transfer with a slotted spoon to a large heatproof bowl. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan, then the onions and garlic, and fry about 5 minutes, until translucent. Return the beef to the kettle, add the paprika and thyme, and mellow over moderate heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. Add the water and broth, bring to a boil, adjust the heat so the mixture simmers easily, cover, and cook 45 minutes. Add the potatoes and beans if using. Re-cover and simmer slowly 45 minutes longer, or until the beef, potatoes, and beans are all tender. Smooth in the tomato paste, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Ladle into heated soup plates and serve.
"This simple but hearty soup-really a thin stew-is a cold weather favorite throughout Germany. Home cooks make it often and chefs at nearly every Ratskeller and village Gasthof keep a big pot of it bubbling on the back of the stove. Recipes vary, of course, but all contain boneless cubes of a richly flavored muscular cut of beef, potatoes, plenty of onions, and a blush of sweet paprika (a staple of the pre-World War I Austro-Hungarian Empire, which Bavaria once bordered)."
*I like this recipe because it tastes great and is easy to make. I don't add the beans and just keep it simple. I like to serve it with crusty bread to sop up all the juices. This re-heats and tastes even better if that is possible.
Melanie