Tortellini Soup

Tortellini Soup (Rivka)

½-1 lb. regular sausage (or part ground beef/turkey)

1 med. onion, diced

3 large carrots, diced

1 Tbs minced garlic (2-3 cloves)

6 c. vegetable or chicken broth

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can corn, drained (or 1 ¾ c frozen)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

black pepper

1 1/2 Tbs. Italian seasoning

1- 10 oz bag refrigerated cheese tortellini (I like RANA brand)

3 c. fresh, chopped spinach

Directions:

Cook sausage with onion and carrots, then garlic.  Drain. (Or cook sausage separately and cook the onion, carrots, and garlic in a little oil).

Add broth, tomatoes, corn, red pepper flakes, black pepper, Italian seasoning and bring to a boil.

Add the tortellinis and cook until done.  Very last add the spinach and serve.

*Or use Italian sausage and probably don't add the red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning?

For Crockpot: Put cooked sausage and all but tortellini and spinach in crockpot. Cook on high for about 4 hours. During the last half hour add the tortellini. Shortly before serving add spinach.