RECIPE: SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP

It is no secret to my family, if a recipe has tomatoes, garlic and basil in it, I will try it!  This soup recipe is one of my favorites.  If you use turkey bulk Italian sausage instead of Italian sausage, the calorie content is only 290 for 1 1/2 cup serving with only 7 grams of fat!  Not bad for dinner!

                                                                  SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP

1/2 lb. bulk Italian sausage (or turkey Italian sausage)

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic minced

1 28 oz. can tomato puree

1 14 oz. can fat free chicken broth (low sodium)

2 cups water

1 teaspoon dried basil leaves

1 (9-oz)pkg. refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini

3 cups frozen broccoli cuts (I like to use baby broccoli flowers)In dutch oven, combine sausage and onion; cook over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink.  Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes longer.  Drain.

Add carrots; cook ad stir 1 minute.  Add tomato puree, broth, water and basil.  Bring to a boil.  Add tortellini; return to a boil.  Add broccoli.  Cook 6 – 8 minutes or until tortellini is tender.

Makes 6(1 1/2 cup) servings