Tortellini Chowder

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped green chile pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 2 cups cheese tortellini
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 pint half-and-half cream

Directions

In a large pot over medium heat, cook onion, bell pepper, chile pepper, garlic and jalapeno in margarine until tender but not brown, 5 minutes.

Stir in broth, potatoes, cumin, salt, pepper and red pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes, until potatoes are just tender.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and set aside.

In a small bowl, stir together flour and vegetable oil. Pour into soup, increase heat to medium, and cook until thickened and bubbly. Stir in corn, half-and-half and tortellini and heat through. Serve.