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tuscan bacon tortellini soup

Warm and cozy and done in 30 minutes, so you don't have to wait TOO long for the warm and cozy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced (about 2 ribs)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, chopped
  • 10 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 3 cups Tuscan kale (or any kale), chopped
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
  • 6-8 strips tofu or regular bacon, chopped
  • fresh parmesan and herbs, for garnish (optional)
  • crusty bread, for dipping (not optional)

Instructions
 

  • Melt the butter with 1 tablespoon of the sundried tomato oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
  • Add the onion and celery and saute for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and sundried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes longer, until fragrant.
  • Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes, then add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (likely 4-5 minutes longer). Stir in the kale, heavy cream, bacon, and parmesan. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  • Divide into bowls and top with fresh parmesan and oregano. Serve with crusty bread, for dipping.

Notes

*Tofu bacon:
  • Drain and press a block of extra firm tofu to remove excess water for about 5-10 minutes. I make a homemade press by placing paper towels on a large plate, then the tofu, then more towels, another plate, and a skillet.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees and lightly grease a large baking sheet. Slice the tofu very thin (as thin as you can without breaking it) and place onto the baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, and black pepper. Pour over the tofu and, using a basting brush, coat each slice. Flip, and brush the sauce over the opposite side. Let sit while the oven heats.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through baking time. Let cool on the baking sheet: the tofu will continue to crisp up.
Keyword autumn, bacon, comfort food, fall, kale, soup, tofu bacon, tortellini, tuscan, vegetarian, weeknight dinner, winter