Kate's Spicy Sausage Tortellini Soup

I have adapted this recipe after trying many different variations.The spicy clamato gives it lots of zip.Different vegetables work well. Just add your favorites. When I submitted this recipe I cut the ingredients in half as I usually make a huge batch and freeze half.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  lb hot Italian sausage
• 1  teaspoon olive oil
• 1  large onion
• 1  clove garlic, chopped
• 1  cup celery
• 1  cup  chopped carrot
• 1  cup mushroom, sliced
• 2  teaspoons  italian seasoning
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2  cups chicken broth
• 3  cups  spicy clamato juice
• 1  can red kidney beans, drained
• 1  package  frozen  cheese tortellini

Directions

1. Steam sausage for 15 minutes to reduce fat content.
2. Let cool, and slice into bite sized pieces, removing casing if desired.
3. Spray large pot with no-stick spray.
4. Place sliced sausage in large pot with oil and let brown lightly. Remove sausage and pour off excess oil.
5. In same pot add onions,garlic, celery, carrots, and mushrooms until softened but not browned, then add back sausage.
6. Stir in seasoning, tomatoes, stock and clamato juice.
7. Bring to boil and simmer covered for 30 minutes.
8. Add frozen pasta and kidney beans; simmer covered for 20 minutes.
9. If too thick, dilute with water or more broth.
10. Season to taste.