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Here's a little inspiration from Bologna via cooking-up a brothy and hearty tortellini soup. The tortellini originates from the north-cental part of Italy. Many legends lay claim to the origins of tortellini; none of which I hold much belief in.. from an inn-keeper who replicated Venus' belly button, to claims of tortellini mimicking the shape of a turtle, to replicating 17th-century architectural features of Modena. Whatever you believe, these dumpling-like pasta can become a legend in your kitchen.
Eat more greens in your diet!
Adding deep green veggies to your diet will provide you with valuable nutrients that your body really needs during the winter. During cold season, fending off colds means strengthening your immune system. Power up with fennel, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, lettuces, green beans, kale and collards. Drop them in soups. Steaming vegetables is a quick and healthy side dish. Fresh is best. Frozen is the next best option. Canned veggies are the least desirable, because of the high sodium content. (Popeye’s strength may have benefited from 'me spinach', but he had high blood pressure from the high sodium content in his canned veggie.)
This pasta soup dish is wonderful as an appetizer or a luncheon entrée. The best part is that it can be ready in under 30 minutes. Serve alongside my Flatbread Pizzas
Tortellini Basil Soup
makes 6-8 servings
chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 cup sweet onion, chopped
8 cloves caramelized garlic
1 cup canned San Marzano Tomatoes, chopped
4 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 quarter cup fresh spinach leaves, shredded
8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
8 ounces cheese tortellini
1 cup small white beans, cooked or canned
Pinch nutmeg
Grated parmesan cheese to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
Pre heat a medium soup pot to medium temperature.
Add olive oil, onion, garlic, tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Lower to a simmer and add tortellini, spinach, basil, and white beans. Simmer until tortellinis are al dente and season with nutmeg, pepper. Add parmesan cheese to taste. Serve with a basil leaf on top.
NOTE: This recipe requires a good quality tortellini, if you are cooking the pasta in the broth. A lesser quality tortellini will make the soup starchy. If you are not sure of the quality, cook the tortellini separately and add pasta to the soup right before serving.
