Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the oregano, basil, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the tortellini and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 260
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 12g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil
- Onion can be substituted with shallots
- Garlic can be substituted with garlic powder
- Carrots can be substituted with parsnips
- Celery can be substituted with fennel
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth
- Diced tomatoes can be substituted with crushed tomatoes
- Cheese tortellini can be substituted with vegetable tortellini
- Spinach can be substituted with kale
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken for added protein
- Add cooked sausage for added flavor
- Add cooked beans for added fiber
Tips and Tricks:
- Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option
- Add more vegetables for added nutrition
- Add a splash of cream for a creamier soup
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few leaves of fresh basil.
Garnishes:
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Croutons
Pairings:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth.
- If the soup is too thin, add more tortellini.
Food Safety Advice:
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Tortellini is a type of pasta that originated in Italy and is traditionally filled with a combination of cheese, meat, and/or vegetables.
Flavor Profiles:
This soup has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the carrots and tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian