Cook:
1 lb Italian sausage and drain well. Remove from casing if you can’t find it ground. We like the hot stuff but it might be too much for kids.
Add:
(1) large onion, chopped
(1) garlic clove, finely chopped
(3) 14.5 cans beef broth
(2) 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, undrained
(1) 8 oz can tomato sauce
(1) cup dry red wine — substitute cranberry juice, if you must : )
(2) carrots, sliced thin
(1) tbsp sugar
(2) tsp italian seasoning — if you don’t have that, just do mix of oregano, basil and thyme
Simmer above for 30 mins or, actually, as long as you want.
Add:
(2) small zucchini, sliced thin — not necessary if your kids would freak about green stuff in their soup
(1) 9 oz package of cheese-filled tortellini — get the good stuff — it’s worth it
Simmer all for 10 more mins.
Grate about a cup of parmesan cheese (or any cheese) and sprinkle on top. Great with sour dough bread on the side.
Gennifer Rawlings
