Italian Stoup

2 links Italian sausage
2 C cheese tortellini -- cooked
1 small onion-- finely diced
2 cloves of garlic -- minced
1/2 C matchstick carrots
1 rib of celery -- finely diced
1 C zucchini-- large dice
2 lg cans of diced tomatoes
1-2 C chicken broth
1 can cannelli beans
2 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp sugar
2 TBSP dried basil
1 TBSP dried oregano
1-2 tsp dried ground thyme
salt and pepper
fresh basil
parmesan

In a saute pan cook up sausage links, let drain on paper towel. Let cool and then cut into thin round slices.
In a large stock pot add a couple tablespoons of olive oil and saute onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Just before they are finished add the zucchini.
Add sausage, tomatoes, beans, and seasonings. Let simmer so that the flavors all come together (1/2 hr)
While the stoup is simmering cook up tortellini in salted water until al dente (still a little firm). Add tortellini to stoup. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and shredded parmesan cheese. Delicious served with fresh french bread or breadsticks...ooh I have a good recipe for that too, I will add that one soon.