A Colorful Bowl

Good day, Kitschies!  I hope you enjoyed your weekend.  The weather was gorgeous here in New Mexico and we got out to play in the sun on a couple occasions.  And then Sunday my allergies started kicking my butt.  Not good.  I took a Zyrtec to feel better.  That was not good, either.  I felt like I had been drugged!  I ended up falling asleep on the couch for a couple hours while Nate sat and watched TV.  I didn't have any trouble with the symptoms, but what good is it when you can't keep your eyes open?!  On Friday night the hubs and I started painting our old sideboard - it's going to look so good!  I can't wait til it's finished and I can share the refinishing project with you.

Anyway...a couple weeks ago, my husband and I were on a hunt for new recipes that use basil because I got a big container of it for another recipe.  We both searched and we both emailed each other this recipe.  Great minds think alike, right?

Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini
1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casing removed
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups beef broth
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup red wine
4 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
1/2 Tbsp packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 tsp dried oregano
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups sliced zucchini
8 oz fresh tortellini pasta
3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley 

In a 5 quart Dutch oven, brown sausage. Remove sausage and drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of the drippings. 

Saute onions and garlic in drippings. Stir in beef broth, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce, and sausage. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. 

Skim fat from the soup. Stir in zucchini and parsley. Simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add tortellini during the last 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top of each serving. 

NOTES:  This made a lot of soup and that's a good thing because this was excellent!  Even better the day after.

 

Even the boys liked this!  We used tri-color tortellini and it made it very colorful.  I know the weather is warming up, but you can save this recipe for a stormy, cool Spring day!

I have lots of recipes to share with you in the coming weeks.  Is there a recipe you'd like me to try?  Send me an email (megharmeyer@gmail.com) or send me a link and more than likely, I'll give it a go!