Zucchini slices and diced red peppers float with tortellini in a beef and sausage broth in this tomato-based soup. Serve with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 1 pound sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 (16 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 pound fresh tortellini pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
PREPARATION:
Brown sausage in pot; drain off fat. Add onions and saute until tender. Add carrots, celery, beef broth, red wine, tomatoes, ketchup, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Skim away the fat from the soup.
Stir in the zucchini, tortellini, red bell pepper, and parsley. (If you use fresh tortellini, cook them according to package directions.) Simmer, covered, for about 25-30 minutes or till the tortellini are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese right before serving.