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!
What a crazy, unpleasant week... but it did not kill me and therefore I am stronger...
[and looks like I may get the latter with Isaac heading towards us! ]
And as our month FLIES by.... don't forget there's some
awesome Pamper Chef Measuring Cups up for grabs.... CLICK HERE TO
ENTER..... lots of
ways to enter!
We Call Him Yes, Chef! She has an amazing blog and was our July Winner of the Food Stories Excellence in Storytelling Award.... FUNNY!!!! CHECK HER OUT!
