Description
Hearty zuppa toscana soup celebrates Italian comfort with creamy potatoes, spicy sausage, and kale dancing in a rich broth. Warm bowls of this classic Italian soup invite comfort and flavor that will transport hungry diners to the rustic countryside of Tuscany.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb ground italian sausage
- 0.5 lb bacon
Vegetables:
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chopped kale
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
Instructions
- Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving drippings in the pot.
- Sauté diced onions in bacon drippings until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown ground Italian sausage in the same pot, breaking it into small crumbles, and drain excess fat if needed.
- Dice potatoes into uniform cubes and add to the pot along with chicken broth, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer the soup for 15-20 minutes at medium-low heat, or until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low, allowing the soup to gently thicken without boiling.
- Chop crispy bacon and add back to the pot along with chopped kale, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until kale wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, then serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil on top.
- Optional: Garnish with additional red pepper flakes or fresh parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture, ensuring it renders properly without burning.
- Use freshly ground Italian sausage with higher fat content for richer, more authentic taste and better soup consistency.
- Consider substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter versions, reducing overall calorie content.
- Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold which hold their shape better during cooking and provide creamy texture without falling apart.
- Swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations if desired.
- Add extra red pepper flakes incrementally to control spice level and accommodate different heat preferences.
- Allow soup to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg