Soup-er Freak

There is nothing I love more than a bowl (or two) of delicious hearty soup. I generally start off every week making a big pot of soup to have on hand. It is great for a quick and easy lunch and nice to have if you're not in the mood to make a big dinner. Just throw together a salad or sandwich and you've got yourself a great meal. Not to mention a big hearty soup is full of vegetables and so good for you.

I thought I would share my soup recipes each week. Some are from the great chefs like Ina Garten or Giada De Laurentiis and some are made up depending on what I have left over in the fridge. The following recipe falls in the latter category. It is by no means an award winner, but it's quick, it's easy, it's hearty, it's healthy and it tastes so good. Bon appetite!

2 T olive oil
3 carrots, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 potato, cubed
½ yellow or white onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 quart chicken stock
1 pint vegetable broth
¼ cup fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
2/3 container fresh cheese tortellini
1 t Italian seasoning
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
Freshly grated parmesan
Store-bought fresh pesto


Sauté onion in olive oil on medium heat until translucent. Add all other veggies and sauté for several minutes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning. Add garlic and sauté for a few more minutes. Add stewed tomatoes, crushing them with your hand as you add them, and parsley. Add chicken stock, vegetable stock and approximately 3 cups water. Season with a little more salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1-2 hours. Add tortellini shortly before serving (10 minutes?). Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with parmesan and add a dollop of pesto. Delicious!