Bean soup with Italian dumplings and green dressing

Like small dumplings with various fillings, Italian pasta tortellini makes it possible to prepare not only a delicious main course, but also a hearty soup with an interesting combination of flavors and textures. Mix in one saucepan the fried minced Italian sausages, canned white beans, vegetables, including tomatoes in their own juice, and tortellini, pour everything with broth and in a few minutes you will have an extraordinary soup. Serve with a dollop of pesto for a bold accent that perfectly complements the tomato flavor of the soup. Such a soup can be prepared at least every day, while changing its taste with the help of different tortellini fillings.

Ingredients

• 120 g spicy or sweet raw Italian sausage, peel off 1 tbsp. l. olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 medium celery stalk, chopped (about 2/3 cup) 1 can 425 gr. canned white beans, drain the liquid, rinse the beans 1 can 425 gr. canned chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp. slightly salted chicken broth 220-250 gr. chilled tortellini 1/4 cup ready-made pesto sauce Grated Parmesan for serving

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Add the sausage and grill, crushing the minced meat with a wooden spoon, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add the onion and celery and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, broth and 4 tbsp. water and heat to medium-high to bring to a boil. Continue simmering, adjusting the hotplate if necessary, until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add tortellini and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls with a spoonful of pesto and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.