The cold weather is about to enter into the low digits; so light a roaring fire in the fireplace and keep the big soup pot at the ready. You could make my Baked Potato Soup as a quick way to warm up. Or, how about cooking-up a brothy and hearty tortellini soup. (The tortellini originates from the north-cental part of Italy). Serve with my Fennel & Green Bean Salad and Homemade Biscuits for a complete meal.
BTW--To answer a much often asked viewer question about my TV show; yes, 100% of my recipes are cooked on air and are eaten by my TV crew. Hey, it’s part of their job!
Tortellini Basil Soup
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.
