Unleashing My Inner Thoughts
About the Recipe
Creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this Zuppa Toscana is a cozy, homemade take on the classic restaurant favorite. Made with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a rich, creamy broth, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Bonus: it’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
3 cups water
4 medium russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
2 cups fresh kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook the Bacon and Sausage. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Add the sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2
Sauté the Aromatics. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the rendered fat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Simmer the Broth and Potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the sliced potatoes, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4
Add the Kale and Cream. Stir in the chopped kale and cooked bacon. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the kale wilts. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently, but do not boil. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5
Serve and Enjoy. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tip:
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. Ground turkey or chicken sausage can also be used for a leaner and higher protein option.