Southwest Sausage Tortellini Chowder

Here is another wonderful recipe that is good for those long winter nights. This is from Loanne Chiu from Fort Worth Texas.

3 cans (10 1/2 oz each) condensed chicken broth

1 1/2 cups mild chunky style salsa or picante

1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel

2 packages (9 oz each) refrigerated sausage filled tortellini

2 cups frozen cut broccoli (from 1 lb bag)

1 cup frozen whole kernel corn (from 1 lb bag)

1/2 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper

1 can (5 oz) evaporated milk

Dash of salt

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1. In Dutch oven or 4 quart sauce pan, heat broth, salsa and orange peel to boiling.  Reduce heat to low; simmer 3 minutes.
2. Stir in tortellini and vegetables; cook over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes or until tortellini and vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in milk and salt; cook 1 to 3 minutes or just until hot, stirring occasionally. DO NOT BOIL.
4. Top each servings of chowder with cilantro. Serve immediately.