Description
Zuppa toscana warms hearts with creamy potatoes, spicy sausage, and kale in a comforting Italian-inspired soup. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering rich flavors that transport taste buds straight to Tuscany’s rustic kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 strips bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 3 cups kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Dairy:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Render bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat.
- Crumble Italian sausage directly into the pot, sautéing until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, carefully draining excess grease.
- Introduce diced onions to the pot, allowing them to become translucent and soft, releasing their aromatic qualities.
- Quickly incorporate minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and maximize flavor development.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, gently adding sliced potatoes, then increase heat to create a gentle bubbling simmer.
- Reduce heat and allow potatoes to tenderize, periodically testing their softness with a fork, which typically takes 10-12 minutes.
- Fold chopped kale into the simmering liquid, watching it wilt and integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low, streaming heavy cream into the soup while continuously stirring to create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with crispy bacon fragments and a delicate sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Accompany the soup with warm, crusty bread for an authentic and comforting dining experience.
Notes
- Enhance bacon crispiness by starting with a cold pan, allowing fat to render slowly for maximum crunchiness.
- Drain sausage grease completely to prevent an overly greasy soup texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
- Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for better soup thickness and creamy consistency.
- Opt for fresh kale instead of pre-chopped to control texture and ensure maximum nutritional value.
- Reduce spiciness by cutting back on red pepper flakes or omitting them entirely for sensitive palates.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly versions.
- Prepare soup ahead of time and reheat gently to maintain rich flavors and prevent cream separation.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1060 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 92 mg