Description
Savory Italian Zuppa Toscana Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring flavorful Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. This classic soup blends savory meat with fresh vegetables and a touch of creaminess, making it perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, sliced thinly
- 3 cups kale, chopped
Broth and Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional for heat
Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pot using a slotted spoon, and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, to build the flavor base of the soup.
- Cook Potatoes in Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes to the pot, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Sausage and Kale: Return the cooked sausage to the pot along with the chopped kale. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the kale to soften and flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Heat through gently without bringing it to a boil to maintain the creaminess.
- Season the Soup: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Finish and Serve: Once all ingredients are well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or increase the red pepper flakes.
- Kale can be substituted with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter soup, though it will be less creamy.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or store-bought Italian sausage.
- Serve with crusty bread for a hearty meal.
