Turkey Sausage and Tortellini Soup….

In spite of the warm weather, as previously mentioned, I get “tastes” for things.  This soup is light and has a spring look to it.  The bright mixed vegetables and the flower looking tortellini remind me of spring.  It is simple and very delicious!  Freezes well.  Makes about 8 servings.

Turkey sausage & tortellini vegetable soup

1 lb. turkey sausage, casings removed
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
4 stalks celery, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
2 quarts homemade chicken stock or water with a couple of tablespoons of Better Than Bouillion
2 1-lb packages frozen mixed vegetables
1 lb. frozen tortellini
Salt and pepper to taste

1) In a large soup pot over medium high heat, cook sausage, breaking up into small pieces, until fully cooked. Drain if necessary. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Continue cooking about 15 minutes.
2) Add chicken stock and continue over medium heat for 30 minutes. Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain, set aside.
3) Add frozen vegetables, simmer another 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!

Loaded Potato Soup

Comfort anyone?  This is the perfect soup to serve to get rid of a “chill.”  This hearty and elegant soup is simple and uses very basic ingredients.   Serve with Irish Soda Bread. (recipe below)  Add a splash of half and half or cream if you wish.  The bacon is optional, but I hightly recommend it!  This soup tastes much like a loaded baked potato, it’s fantastic!

4 strips bacon
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or 1 tablespoon dried
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
3 large cloves garlic, crushed or finely minced
3 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into ½” cubes
4 cups homemade chicken stock or low sodium canned
4 cups low fat milk, warmed
¾ cup all purpose flour
Cheddar cheese
3 green onions, thinly sliced

1)  Place a soup pot over medium heat and allow pan to get hot.  Cut bacon into small pieces and add to pan; cook until  nicely brown.  Remove bacon from pan with a slotted spoon and allow to drain on paper towel, set aside.  Remove all but about 1 tablespoon bacon fat, add butter and  onion and cook 5-7 minutes. Add fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and garlic. Cook another minute. Continue with medium heat through the entire recipe.
2) Add diced potatoes and broth to the pot.   Bring to a low bubble and cook for 22 minutes, or until potatoes are soft. Taste a potato to be sure.
3) Warm milk in the microwave until warm. (not hot) Whisk flour into warm milk a little at a time.
4) Once potatoes are soft, mix the milk/flour mixture one last time to be sure it’s incorporated and add to the broth/potato mixture all at once. Stir often until the soup comes to a bubble and allow to cook for a few mintues longer.   Taste, adjust seasoning if needed.  Ladel into large serving bowls and garnish with cheddar cheese, green onion, and bacon.  Serve with a salad and a couple of slices of Irish Soda Bread and you have a very delicious and statisfying dinner!

*tip* when you whisk flour into warm milk it prevents lumps from forming.
**tip*  if you’d like to omit the bacon , simply add an additional tablespoon of butter.

Parmesan Turkey Meatball Soup

I love this soup, it is quick and simply delicious!  You can use your own homemade stock or Better than Bouillon. 

Recipe:

4 quarts turkey or chicken stock (16 cups)
5 large stalks of celery, cut into ½” pieces
5 large carrots, peeled & cut into ½” pieces
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1 12-16 oz. package whole wheat soup noodles cooked according to package directions  -or- 2 cups cooked brown rice
1 16 oz. package frozen vegetables, mixed, green beans, peas, anything you like!
Salt & pepper to taste, at very end

Meatballs:

1 ½ lbs. ground turkey, I use the 93% lean
1 cup dried bread crumbs, or 2 cups fresh bread crumbs
2 large eggs
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 T. dried parsley)
1 teaspoon each granulated garlic & onion (or powder)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

In a large stock pot, add the stock through the onion.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes.

For the meatballs:  In a large bowl thoroughly combine all ingredients.  Shape into 1” balls and drop into simmering stock & vegetables.  Simmer for 20 minutes.

Add cooked rice or noodles & frozen vegetables, simmer for another 10 minutes.  Add salt & pepper to taste.  Add additional chopped parsley if you like.