Description
Succulent Zuppa Toscana soup blends Italian countryside flavors with hearty potatoes and spicy sausage. Creamy broth and crisp kale create a comfort meal that connects diners to rustic Tuscan traditions you’ll savor with each spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced or cubed
- 2 cups kale, chopped (or substitute with spinach)
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sear Sausage: Cook Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, methodically crumbling until thoroughly browned. Transfer to a separate plate.
- Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in the same pot, reserving two tablespoons of drippings. Remove bacon and set aside.
- Aromatic Base: Sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and briefly toast to release its fragrant oils.
- Liquid Foundation: Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, deglazing and scraping caramelized bits. Add cubed potatoes, bringing to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Potato Transformation: Simmer potatoes for 10-15 minutes until tender but not falling apart, creating a hearty texture.
- Protein and Greens Integration: Reintroduce cooked sausage and bacon to the pot. Fold in chopped kale, allowing leaves to wilt and meld with the soup’s robust character.
- Creamy Finale: Stream heavy cream and sprinkle red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to balance and elevate the flavor profile.
- Serving Presentation: Ladle the steaming zuppa into bowls, optional Parmesan garnish. Serve alongside crusty bread for an authentic Italian dining experience.
Notes
Control Meat Quality: Select high-quality Italian sausage with balanced fat content for rich, authentic flavor without excess greasiness.
Potato Precision: Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
Kale Technique: Add kale towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color, delicate texture, and prevent nutrient loss during prolonged heating.
Cream Completion: Incorporate heavy cream off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, luxurious soup consistency without curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg