Fall = Time for Soup

I love the colors of Fall and the crisp weather.  Makes me want to snuggle up with a cup of hot chocolate and a warm blanket and a book.  It also is a great time for soup.  I recently made this soup recipe from a friend and it is so delish.  Goes great with yummy bread for dunking in the sauce.

Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini

1 lb Italian sausage (I use turkey sausage to reduce the fat/cal)
1 c coarsely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, sliced
5 c beef broth
1/2 c water
1/2 c dry red wine (or water)
2 c (4 med) chopped, seeded, peeled tomatoes (or 1-15 oz can diced tomatoes)
1 c thinly sliced carrots
1/2 t basil leaves
1/2 t oregano
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 1/2 c sliced zucchini
3 T chopped fresh parsley
1 med green pepper, cut into 1/2 in pieces
8 oz (2 c) frozen meat or cheese filled tortellini or small ravioli (I usually just pour in the whole bag)
Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
If sausage comes in casing, remove. In Dutch oven, brown. Remove sausage from pot, drain, reserving 1 T drippings in pot. Saute onions and garlic in drippings until onions are tender. Add beef broth, water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce and sausage. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 30 min. Skim any fat from soup. Stir in zucchini, tortellini, parsley, and green pepper. Simmer covered an additional 35-40 minutes or until tortellini are tender. Serve with parmesan cheese.