Zuppa Toscana Soup is a warm, comforting dish filled with fresh kale, spicy sausage, and creamy potatoes. It’s like a big hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly days!
This soup is simple to make and always hits the spot. I love serving it with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious broth. What’s better than that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is key for flavor! You can use spicy for a kick or mild if you prefer no heat. If avoiding pork, turkey or chicken sausage works well, too.
Kale: Fresh kale adds a lovely texture and nutrition. If kale isn’t your favorite, try Swiss chard or spinach instead. Just adjust the cooking time as spinach wilts faster.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its rich creaminess. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Non-dairy options like coconut milk can provide a different but delicious twist.
Bacon: I love the crispy crunch it adds, but you can skip it for a lighter soup or use a turkey bacon alternative for less fat.
How Do You Ensure the Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the potatoes just right is important for a nice texture in your soup. Keep these tips in mind:
- Dice the potatoes into uniform pieces, around 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
- After adding them to the broth, raise the heat to a boil quickly, then reduce it to simmer gently.
- Check for doneness by poking a piece with a fork; it should be tender and easy to cut.
Following these steps will keep your potatoes from turning mushy while ensuring they’re cooked to perfection!
How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, based on preference)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups kale, chopped (remove thick stems)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve some for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Zuppa Toscana Soup will take around 10 minutes for prep and about 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to create this hearty dish from scratch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it turns crispy. When it’s done, take the bacon strips out and place them on a paper towel to drain the fat. Don’t forget to leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pot for flavor!
2. Brown the Italian Sausage:
Add the Italian sausage to the pot with the leftover bacon fat. Cook on medium heat, breaking it into small pieces and browning it well (this should take about 6-8 minutes). After it’s cooked through, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, keeping all that tasty fat in the pot.
3. Sauté the Onion:
Next, throw the diced onion into the pot and sauté it for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. This step builds a great base flavor for the soup!
4. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute until it becomes fragrant. You want that lovely aroma to fill your kitchen!
5. Cook the Potatoes and Broth:
Now, add the diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring everything to a nice boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer until the potatoes are tender. This will take about 15 minutes.
6. Add Sausage and Kale:
Return the cooked sausage back into the pot. Next, toss in the chopped kale and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
7. Stir in the Cream:
Time for some creaminess! Stir in the heavy cream and the crumbled bacon. Heat the soup through but be careful not to let it boil once the cream is added—this keeps everything luscious and avoids curdling!
8. Season the Soup:
Now, season your soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy! Taste and adjust as needed.
9. Serve Up Your Delicious Soup:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some reserved bacon crumbles. Pair it with crusty bread for a cozy meal!
Enjoy your cozy bowl of Zuppa Toscana Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using meat alternatives or just skip the sausage altogether and add extra veggies.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, which will give the soup a unique flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to maintain the desired consistency!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stove.
