Cough Cough Sniff Sniff {Tortellini Soup Recipe}

You know you're not feeling well when you can't blog.... but you know it's not the flu and "just" a cold when you still want to cook!


I was feeling pretty lousy yesterday, hadn't gone grocery shopping yet and so thinking of my friend Barbie's Tortellini Soup, I made a huge pot of what turned out to be a very loose rendition based on what I had in the house. That said, it was an awesome "Kitchen Sink" Soup..... so yummy, everyone wants to have it again tonight and I am glad because I'm still not quite right.

Chicken, Tortellini & Meatball Soup

a/k/a It-Was-In-The-Freezer/Fridge-So-It's-In-The-Soup Soup

10 c. Chicken stock 

3 chicken thighs, skin removed

1 small onion diced

2 c. sliced carrots

4 cups diced tomatoes [I used one 26 oz. Pomi]

1 cup Tomato sauce

1 c. Marsala cooking wine

16 oz. bag tortellini

1/2 bag [approx 1 lb] of frozen Italian style meatballs

2 tsp. each Celery Seed & Black Pepper

2 TBSP each:

Garlic Powder

Basil

Oregano

Parsley Flakes

Kosher Salt

I used my 7 quart stock pot with a colander insert, because I think it's easier when you are cooking chicken and then de-boning.

First, bring the stock to a low boil, add the chicken and simmer for 20 minutes,  remove the colander/chicken and set aside to cool.

Bring the stock back to a strong boil, add the Marsala and allow to boil 5 minutes then add the onion, carrots, tomatoes, tomato sauce & spices.  Reduce to a simmer and simmer 20 minutes.  While that's cooking, debone the chicken and break into small pieces and add to the pot.  

I mentioned I use Pomi products.... I just think they are superior to any other "canned" tomato product and if you cannot use fresh, it's the next best thing.

After 20 minutes add the tortellini, I used Schwans frozen 6 cheese, but I'm a Schwan's girl [Barella makes a nice one that just comes off the pasta shelf], and the meatballs, again I used Schwans Italian Style return soup to a simmer and cook for 20 more minutes.

Spoon into bowls and top with grated Parmesan~Romano and a couple homemade croutons [recipe below].  

AHHHH, I felt better instantly.

p.s. I mentioned homemade croutons.  They are sooooo easy it's ridiculous to NOT make them in my opinion.  I swear people eat one and immediately propose marriage.... they are THAT good.

HOMEMADE GARLIC CROUTONS

1/2 cup [1 stick] butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 (3/4 inch thick) slices Italian Loaf Bread cut into cubes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; spray large jelly roll pan with non-stick cooking spray [I use olive oil flavored].

In a large saute pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Turn off heat, add bread cubes and toss to coat. Spread on jelly roll pan in single layer.

Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until crisp, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning. Cool completely before storing in Ziploc baggie to maintain freshness.

Sorry so skimpy in picture.... they ate them ALL!

p.p.s. To give a shout to the original soup that ROCKS......

Barbie's Tortellini Soup

1 lb. bulk Italian Sausage

1 c. chopped onion

2 cloves garlic sliced

5 cups beef broth

1 c. water

1 c. red wine

2 c. canned diced tomatoes

1 c. carrots

1 c. tomato sauce

1/2 tsp. each basil & oregano

8 oz. fresh cheese tortellini

1 1/2 c. sliced zucchini

1 medium green pepper sliced

3 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley

Brown sausage in pot, remove from pot draining all but 1 TBSP of fat.  Brown onion and garlic in fat until tender.  Add cooked sausage, beef broth, water, red wine, tomatoes, carrots, tomato sauce, basil & oregano bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and simmer uncovered 30 minutes.

Skim fat from soup, add remaining ingredients and simmer covered 20 minutes.

Serve with Parmesan.

BUON APPETITO!