Tortellini Soup from Favorites Cookbook

Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage (or turkey or chicken sausage)

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup water

2 (13 3/4-ounce) cans beef broth (I use low sodium and chicken broth if using chicken sausage)

1/2 cup white wine or apple cider

3 carrots, chopped

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

1 cup sliced zucchini

4 tablespoons parsley, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

8 ounces cheese tortellini (I use Boutoni - usually by the cheese section)

fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

In large soup pan, brown sausage.  Drain fat and add chopped onion and garlic and cook until tender.  Add water, broth, wine, carrots, tomatoes, basil, oregano, zucchini, parsley, and green pepper.  Simmer for 30 minutes longer.  Add tortellini 5-10 minutes before serving and cook until tender, but not soggy.  Garnish with Parmesan cheese.