Ingredients:

EEVOO for saut�ing

1 large red or white onion, quartered and chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

3 stalks celery, chopped

3 carrots, sliced thinly

1 package *Polish sausage, split down the center and sliced

1 can canned chopped tomatoes (with liquid)

2 cans chicken broth

2 cans vegetable broth

V-8 juice (optional for a richer broth)

1/2 teaspoon each dried oregano, dill, parsley, and basil

1 1/2 pounds black beans, cooked according to package directions and drained

Freshly ground black and garlic peppers, to taste

a sprinkle of Kosher salt

12 - 24 oz. fresh or frozen cheese tortellini

Directions:

1. Drizzle the bottom of a large pot with olive oil and heat to medium.

2. Add the onion, celery, carrots, garlic and sausage and saut� till all is nicely browned. Add tomatoes and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, adding a little broth, if needed.

3. Add spices, black beans, broths and a little V-8 juice (if desired).

4. Bring soup to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for about 5 minutes. Add tortellini and cook for an additional 5 - 10 minutes

For a vegetarian soup, leave out the Polish sausage (or substitute a meatless variety of sausage)