Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

5 cups beef broth

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup red wine

1 28 oz can diced tomatoes

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

1/2 tablespoon packed fresh basil leaves

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 1/2 cups sliced zucchini

8 ounces fresh tortellini pasta

3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. In a 5 quart Dutch oven, brown sausage. Remove sausage and drain, reserving 1 tablespoon of the drippings.

2. Saute onions and garlic in drippings. Stir in beef broth, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce, and sausage. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

3. Skim fat from the soup. Stir in zucchini and parsley. Simmer covered for 30 minutes. Add tortellini during the last 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.

To serve: Put defrosted soup mixture in a large pot. Add 1 can beef broth, 1 large can diced tomatoes, and ½ cup water. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Skim fat from soup & add zucchini, herbs and tortellini. Cook for 10 more minutes. Serve with Parmesan on top & crusty bread.