Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Italian sausage
  • 1 c. coarsely chopped onions
  • 2 garlic cloves, sliced
  • 5 to 6 c. beef broth
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1/2 c. dry red wine
  • 2 c. peeled, seeded, chopped tomatoes (4 medium)
  • 1 c. thinly sliced carrots
  • 1/2 tsp. basil leaves
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano leaves
  • 8 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 c. sliced zucchini
  • 8 oz. meat or cheese tortellini or very small ravioli (2 c.)
  • 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 medium green pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • grated Parmesan cheese

Method

  • Remove sausage from casing.
  • In a 5-quart Dutch oven, brown sausage.
  • Remove sausage from Dutch oven and drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings.
  • Saute onions and garlic in reserved drippings in Dutch oven until onions are tender.
  • Add beef broth, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce and sausage.
  • Bring to boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes.
  • Skim fat from soup.
  • Stir in zucchini, tortellini, parsley and green pepper.
  • Simmer, covered, an additional 35 to 40 minutes, or until tortellini are tender.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.