Description
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and kale simmered in a creamy chicken broth. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners and serves six people with a balance of savory, creamy, and slightly spicy notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 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 and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pot and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the rendered grease in the pot for added flavor.
- Cook Bacon: Add the chopped bacon to the pot and cook until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside with the cooked sausage.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the bacon and sausage grease left in the pot, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, releasing its fragrant aroma.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the thinly sliced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Meats and Kale: Stir the browned sausage and crispy bacon back into the pot along with the chopped kale. Simmer for 5 minutes more to allow the kale to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream carefully to avoid curdling. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately, ideally accompanied by crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Be careful not to boil after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Fresh kale adds a nutritious green boost; you can substitute with spinach if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes gradually to control the spice level.
