TIred of turkey yet? Tired of being in the kitchen? Want to change it up? Try this nice little alternative. You can even add your leftover veggies. A wonderful cold weather hearty soup made with sweet Italian sausage. I use cheese filled spinach tortellini but you can use plain tortellini if you choose to. I also love to add the grated parmesan cheese as a garnish. Pair with crusty garlic bread and you have a meal. We have been making this soup for years thanks to Grandma, and now my college student son has learned to make it. Stores just fine in the refrig over night.
Makes 5 quarts
56 oz beef broth
7 cups water
1 pound of sweet italian sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
18 0z of tortellini pasta
1/2 pound of cabbage, shredded
1 small green bell pepper, cored and diced
1 medium zucchini, sliced
6 oz of carrots, sliced
1 small red onion, chopped
1 medium tomatoes, diced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Combine all ingredients except parmesan cheese in a large pot. Season with salat and pepper. Bring to slow boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables ar tender about 15 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls. Serve immediately, garnish with parmesan cheese. Soup can be prepared 1 day ahead covered refrigerator.
