Italian Sausage Soup with Tortellini

OK, so while we're on the subject of soup, this one is my favorite...

1 lb. Italian sausage
1 C. coarsely chopped onions
2 garlic cloves, sliced
5 c. beef broth
½ c. water
½ c. red wine or water
4 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 ½ c. thinly sliced carrots
1 sp. Fresh minced basil
½ t. oregano
8 oz. tomato sauce
1 ½ c. zucchini, sliced
2 c. cheese-filled dry tortellini (tricolor)
1 green bell pepper, cut in chunks
Grated parmesan cheese

Remove sausage from casing, hen brown an stir in large Dutch over medium heat. Drain on paper towels. Sauté onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons sausage drippings until onions are soft. Add beef broth, ½ cup water, wine, tomatoes, carrots, basil, oregano, tomato sauce, and sausage. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes. Skim fat from soup. Stir in zucchini, tortellini and peppers. Simmer 35 to 50 minutes, or until tortellini are tender. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Makes 8 servings.