Here’s a hearty and delicious recipe for Zuppa Toscana Soup, a classic Italian dish known for its rich flavors, creamy texture, and comforting ingredients like sausage, potatoes, and kale.
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to your preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups potatoes, thinly sliced (Yukon gold or red potatoes work well)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 2 cups kale, chopped (or Swiss chard)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 slices of bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces with a spoon. If using bacon, add it to the pot and cook until crispy. Remove the sausage (and bacon, if using) and drain excess fat, leaving a bit for flavor.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the sliced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Finish the soup: Add the cooked sausage back into the pot along with the heavy cream and kale. Stir to combine and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the kale is wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy warm!
Recipe Notes:
- Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a lighter version, or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Time and Temperature:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
This Zuppa Toscana Soup is creamy, comforting, and perfect for chilly days. Enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal!