Sausage Tortellini Soup

I think soups are one of my favourite things to make. There are so many different kinds and they are super easy to freeze to save for another day. Here's a new one that is quite nice for a cold winter day.

1 lb Italian sausage (casing removed)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1/2 cup carrots, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups water
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsps fresh basil, snipped
1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese

Brown Italian sausage in a large pot and break into small chunks. Drain and set aside.

In the same pot, saute the onion, carrots, garlic and basil in the oil over medium heat for a few minutes. Whisk in the tomato paste, chicken broth and water. Heat about 10 minutes on medium high heat.

Add the sausage and tortellini. Cook about 8-10 minutes until tortellini is tender. Serve with fresh Parmesan cheese.

Serves 6.

*From http://www.shugarysweets.com/2014/01/sausage-tortellini-soup

Zuppa Toscana

What a perfect soup for a cool day! This is a version of the soup made famous by Olive Garden. So good!

1 lb ground Italian sausage (I used spicy to give it some kick because I didn't have the next ingredient)
1 1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
1 large diced white onion
4 tbsp bacon pieces
2 tsp garlic, minced
10 cups water
5 cubes of chicken bouillon
1 cup heavy cream
3 large potatoes, sliced
1/4 of a bunch of kale

Saute Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.

In the same pan, saute bacon, onions and garlic over low-medium heat for approximately 15 min or until the onions are soft.

Add chicken bouillon and water to the pot and heat until it starts to boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.

Add the heavy cream and cook until thoroughly heated. Stir in the sausage and kale. Heat through and serve.