Zuppa Toscana Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at an Italian restaurant or enjoyed the delightful soups at Olive Garden, chances are you’ve tasted the creamy, hearty goodness of Zuppa Toscana. This Tuscan-inspired soup is a comforting blend of spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale, all brought together in a rich, creamy broth. Whether you’re looking to recreate that restaurant magic at home or simply want a new soup to add to your repertoire, this Zuppa Toscana recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Zuppa Toscana, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or mild, according to your preference)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 large russet potatoes, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups kale, chopped (you can also use spinach if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving behind the rendered fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Potatoes

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook until they are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate the Sausage and Kale

4. Return the cooked sausage to the pot, and stir in the chopped kale. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

5. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup heat through, but do not bring it to a boil. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips for the Perfect Zuppa Toscana

• Sausage Selection: The type of Italian sausage you choose will greatly impact the flavor of your soup. Hot sausage adds a spicy kick, while mild sausage provides a more balanced, savory taste.
• Potato Texture: Slicing the potatoes into thin rounds ensures they cook evenly and quickly. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can slightly mash some of the potatoes in the soup.
• Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. However, heavy cream will give you the richest, most luxurious texture.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add more vegetables, such as carrots and celery.
• Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value by adding additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Spicy Twist: If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage.

Conclusion

Zuppa Toscana is a versatile and forgiving recipe, perfect for those cozy nights when you crave something hearty and comforting. With its blend of spicy sausage, creamy broth, and fresh kale, this soup brings a little taste of Tuscany straight to your kitchen. Enjoy this delightful dish with family and friends, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!

Bon Appétit!