Beef Stroganoff

All this week we'll be talking about Heart Healthy Recipes.  Since February is officially deemed American Heart Month by the American Heart Association, I thought we would talk about the importance of a healthy heart.  According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), one in every four deaths in the U.S. is a result of heart disease, making it the #1 killer of both men and women.  So how can we prevent this from happening?  We can alter our diets to include limited amounts of fats and sodium and increasing our intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.  We can also work that heart muscle through exercise.  
 
So, this week's recipes are approved by the Mayo Clinic.  I thought I needed to defer to the experts when talking about something as serious as the heart.  And can I just say, that in addition to diet and exercise, keeping a healthy heart might include a few other things.  This month is as good a time as any to  increase our intake of laughter, forgiveness and to show our loved ones just how much we love them.  Happy February!  
 
Ingredients:
· 1/2 cup chopped onion
· 1/2 pound boneless beef round steak, cut 3/4-inch thick, all fat removed
· 4 cups uncooked yolkless egg noodles
· 1/2 can fat-free cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
· 1/2 cup of water
· 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
· 1/2 teaspoon paprika
· 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream

Directions:
1. In a nonstick frying pan, sauté the onions over medium heat until they're translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the beef and continue to cook for another 5 minutes or until the beef is tender and browned throughout. Drain well and set aside.
2. Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes, or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
3. In a saucepan, whisk together the soup, water and flour over medium heat. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the soup mixture and paprika to the beef in the frying pan. Over medium heat, stir the mixture until warmed through. Remove from heat and add the sour cream. Stir until combined.
5. To serve, divide the pasta among the plates. Top with the beef mixture and serve immediately.