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Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Italian-inspired soup that combines savory Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, fresh kale, and creamy broth for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly days, this rich yet fresh soup balances flavors and textures beautifully, making it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Proteins

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, casing removed)

Vegetables

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional and to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. This step builds deep, savory flavor.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Remove sausage and set aside. In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant, softening the vegetables and enhancing the aroma.
  3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in peeled and thinly sliced potatoes to coat in aromatics. Pour in chicken broth, ensuring potatoes are submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  4. Incorporate Kale and Sausage: Add chopped kale and cooked sausage back into the pot. Stir well and allow kale to wilt in the hot broth, approximately 5 minutes, adding vibrant color and nutrients.
  5. Finish with Cream and Seasonings: Lower heat and stir in heavy cream gently. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Heat through without boiling to prevent cream from curdling. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use authentic Italian sausage for best flavor.
  • Add kale towards the end to preserve its bright color and texture.
  • Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking and a creamy broth.
  • Simmer gently after adding cream to avoid separation.
  • Adjust seasonings at the end for balanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian soup, Italian sausage soup, kale soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, gluten free soup