Tortellini Soup - 8 servings

I lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed (I use turkey sausage sometimes)
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic
5 cups beef broth
1  cup water
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
1-1/2 cups sliced zucchini
1/2 tablespoon basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
8 ounces fresh cheese filled tortellini pasta
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Brown sausage in a large (5-6 quart) soup pot.  Remove sausage and drain, reserving one tablespoon drippings.

Saute onions and garlic in drippings.  Stir in beef broth, water, tomatoes, carrots, sausage, basil, and oregano.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat.  Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

Skim fat.  Stir in zucchini and parsley.  Simmer covered for 30 minutes.   Add tortellini during the last 10 minutes.

Serve with a loaf of crusty Italian bread.