I know , I know… our current weather doesn’t technically demand warming up with a bowl of steaming soup. But when winter does decide to rear its icy head, soup is always the cure! Soup night is a tradition for my family and close family friends. Every year after Christmas we get together and share appalling amounts of food including two different soups, an array of cheesy spreads, and of course leftover Christmas cookies (you can’t let them go stale!). This year’s soup varieties were Tortellini Soup from my home kitchen and Broccoli Cheese soup made by my basically sister, Alyssa.
The Tortellini Soup is a recipe from my 8th grade Social Studies teacher and has become a favorite in the Beach household. The sweet Italian sausage, chunks of zucchini, and cheesy tortellini make it warming and comforting, but the addition of fresh parsley, grated parmesan (say goodbye to the Kraft on this), and red wine give depth to the flavors in the soup.
You'll be thinking "What winter?" after a bowl of Tortellini Soup!
It is a soup worthy of Bite Me! because of this: You take a bite and try to place all the mingling flavors. Then you take another bite that still leaves you curious. Suddenly you’ve ladled up three bowls– and you aren’t the least bit sorry! Check out the recipe below!
Alyssa's belly pleasing Broccoli Cheddar soup.
Alyssa’s Broccoli Cheddar was not to be missed either. She went a little above and beyond and added some grated carrots and potatoes in too, so maybe it would be better suited as a Vegetable Cheddar. Either way, the cheesy winter classic was not to be missed! If you’re trying to get your children to eat veggies, try it out!
The good for ya stuff basically melts in your mouth after simmering with the cheese and cream for so long. YUM! If you are interested in trying a recipe out, this one from The Pioneer Woman is great, and could easily be adapted to include more vegetables.
If you want to have your very own soup night, try both soups! Try others, and let me know about any good ones! I promise that not only will your tummies be full of delectable soup, you will also have a wonderful evening with family who are friends, and friends who are family.
Tortellini Soup
1 cup coarsely chopped onions
2 garlic cloves, sliced
5 cups beef broth
½ cup water
½ cup dry red wine or water
2 cups chopped and seeded peeled tomatoes
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
½ teaspoon dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 – 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 ½ cups sliced zucchini
8 oz. (2 cups) fresh meat or cheese-filled tortellini
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
½ cup grated parmesan cheeseIf sausage comes in casing, remove casing. Brown sausage in 5 quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Remove sausage; reserve 1 Tablespoon drippings in Dutch oven. Cook onions and garlic in reserved drippings until onions are tender. Add cooked sausage, broth, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 30 minutes.Skim fat from soup. Stir in zucchini, tortellini, parsley, and bell pepper. Cover; simmer an additional 20 to 25 minutes or until tortellini are tender. Sprinkle each serving with parmesan cheese.Makes 8 (1 ½ cup) servings
