Tortellini and Spinach in Garlic Broth

By Coppermouse

Don't be tempted to cook the tortellini in the soup; they will soak up too much of that irresistibly garlicky broth. Cook them separately, as the soup simmers, and stir them in at the last moment.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups water
• 3 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (see Variation)
• 1 pound spinach, stems removed, leaves washed well (about 2 1/4 quarts)
• Grated parmesan cheese, for sprinkling

Preparation

Step 1

In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the water, broth, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the tortellini until just done, about 4 minutes for fresh or 12 minutes for frozen. Drain.

Add the spinach to the soup and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in the tortellini. Serve the soup sprinkled with grated Parmesan and pass more of the grated cheese at the table.


VARIATION:
*Substitute one quart of shredded escarole for the spinach.
*Use meat- or cheese-filled ravioli instead of the tortellini.