Made for 2007 holiday gathering in State College. A hearty favorite!

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. sweet Italian sausage
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups beef broth
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 4 tomatoes, chopped, or 1 can whole tomatoes
• 1 cup carrots
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 8 oz. cheese tortellini
• 1 package or 1 bag fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon parsley
• Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In large pot, cook sausage ~5 minutes. Remove meat and set aside.
2. Add onion and garlic. Saute.
3. Add broth, herbs, vegetables (except zucchini and spinach), and sausage. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered ~30 minutes.
4. Add zucchini, spinach, and tortellini. Simmer ~25 minutes.
5. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.

*culmination of several recipes