Don't let the long list
of ingredients discourage you, the extra effort is well worth
the end result, a deliciously flavorful soup the whole family
is sure to love.
Tortellini
and Italian Sausage Soup
1/2 teaspoon anise seeds,
crushed
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 large bay leaf
1 pound bulk sweet or spicy Italian sausage
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes in juice, undrained
4 cups water (more if needed)
2 teaspoons kosher or coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
2 carrots, pared and thinly sliced
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini (white kidney beans), drained and
rinsed
2 medium zucchini, chopped
1 (12-ounce) package cheese tortellini, cooked according to directions
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
In a small bowl mix the
anise seeds, basil leaves, oregano leaves and bay leaf; set aside.
In large cooking pot brown
sausage and drain. Move the cooked sausage over to one side of
the pot; add the olive oil and over medium heat, add the spice
mixture and cook for about 15 seconds, stirring constantly. Mix
in with the sausage. Add the onion and garlic and cook until
onion has softened.
Add the tomato paste and
continue cooking for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Add
the tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, brown sugar, lemon juice and
Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil.Add the bell pepper and
carrots and cook until carrots are tender.
Add the cannellini and
zucchini and cook for another 10 minutes, or until zucchini is
crisp-tender. Remove soup from heat and stir in the cooked cheese
tortellini.
Top each serving with
1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Makes 8 servings.
Nutrition Facts (per serving
1/8 portion of soup with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese.): 279.1
calories; 28% calories from fat; 9.0g total fat; 18.5mg cholesterol;
1166.7mg sodium; 1207.0mg potassium; 34.5g carbohydrates; 7.5g
fiber; 9.3g sugar; 27.0g net carbs; 18.0g protein.
