Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

A friend brought over this creamy tomato tortellini soup after the birth of one of our babies, and it's got such great flavor, it has been a favorite ever since. Because of the pasta it's a “compromise” meal, even if it is organic, but everything else in it is healthy and it's full of good stuff like pastured meats, healthy fats, and even better when you can use local veggies in season.

The recipe is from our friend, Father Bernie:

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Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Author: Father Bernie via Kelly the Kitchen Kop

Ingredients

• 1 pound of sausage preferably from a local farm with grass-fed animals — no local source near you? Here's where to find safe, healthy meat online
• 1 pound of ground beef “”
• 1/2 to 1 onion chopped
• A few cloves of garlic chopped, or garlic powder
• Add 5 cups beef broth preferably organic and/or homemade. (I now know how quick and simple pressure cooker broth is so I can make some mineral-rich broth more quickly in a pinch. If you just don't think you will make it or want some on hand for when you're really crunched for time, try this bone broth — it's 100% grass-fed with a bunch ofgelatin, organic ingredients, and it's shelf stable! I love keeping their beef and chicken broth on-hand for quick recipes because they make it just like I do here, and without the nasty msg-like ingredients, additives, or preservatives that store-bought has.)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup red cooking wine or any red wine
• 28 ounces canned organic diced tomatoes
• Chopped carrots and celery if desired
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 3 Tablespoons parsley
• 15 ounces organic tomato sauce
• A splash of real cream/whipping cream if desired to make it a creamier consistency (we like it both ways)
• Sliced yellow and green zucchini's/summer squash
• 2 – 8 ounce packages of tortellini I use an organic 3-cheese tortellini that I get from Costco
• 1 green pepper chopped
• Fresh shredded parmesan for the top

Instructions

• Brown meat in a stainless steel or cast iron pot, along with the garlic and onion. Add broth, water, wine, tomatoes, tomato sauce, cream, carrots, celery, and spices/herbs. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.  Stir in sliced zucchini/summer squash, tortellini, green pepper, chopped. Simmer for another 30 minutes to get these soft.  (You add those last so they don't overcook.)  Serve with shredded parmesan on top.
• We also had it with breadsticks dipped in melted butter!

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