Description
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Italian-inspired soup featuring savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale in a creamy chicken broth. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy family meal and comes together in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, sliced into thin half-moons
- 2 cups kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the grease in the pot for added flavor.
- Cook the Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the same pot and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside with the sausage, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot for the next steps.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot with the remaining grease and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Meat and Kale: Stir the cooked sausage and bacon back into the pot along with the chopped kale. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and flavors to meld.
- Finish with Cream and Seasonings: Lower the heat to prevent boiling, then stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and, if desired, red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage and adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less creamy.
- Make sure to slice the potatoes thin to help them cook evenly and quickly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning while sautéing the onion.
