Tuscan soup combines the rich flavors of bacon, savory Italian sausage, and hearty greens in a comforting bowl that warms both body and soul. My experience with this recipe has always been delightful; there’s something about the warm, inviting aromas of the kitchen as the ingredients meld together that just beckons family and friends to gather around the table. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress at a cozy brunch, Tuscan soup is the answer. 

## What makes this recipe special

This dish is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort—a wholesome meal that’s budget-friendly and ideal for chilly evenings. Thanks to its straightforward recipe, it comes together in under an hour, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or as a hearty addition to your Sunday family meal. The kale not only adds a vibrant touch but also packs a nutritional punch, making this soup as good for you as it is delicious.

> “I made this Tuscan soup for a gathering last weekend, and it was an absolute hit! Everyone went for seconds—definitely a recipe I’ll keep in my rotation!” – Emily R.

## The cooking process explained

Getting everything ready for this delectable Tuscan soup is simple and straightforward. Once you gather your ingredients, you’ll start by cooking the bacon and sausage, and then layer in the vegetables and broth. The process is quick, culminating in a creamy, flavor-packed bowl of goodness. Here’s how it all comes together:

## Gather these items

To whip up this delightful Tuscan soup, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

- 4 slices bacon
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 potatoes, sliced
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or you can swap out the kale for Swiss chard or spinach if that’s what you have on hand!

## Step-by-step instructions 

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these easy steps for a tasty, homemade Tuscan soup:

1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add the Italian sausage. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
3. Add diced onions and sliced potatoes to the pot. Sauté for about five minutes until the onions soften.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.
6. Gently stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for another five minutes until the kale wilts.
7. Add in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon for that extra touch of flavor.

## Best ways to enjoy it

Serving Tuscan soup can be as simple or elaborate as you like. Consider garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness. Pair it with a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping, or serve it alongside a fresh side salad to balance the meal. A robust red wine like Chianti makes for an excellent companion too.

## Storage and reheating tips

Have leftovers? Great! Keeping your Tuscan soup fresh is easy. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months—just leave out the heavy cream until you’re ready to serve, as it doesn’t freeze as well.

## Pro chef tips

1. For an even richer flavor, consider adding some minced garlic to the onions as they sauté.
2. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked sausage or smoked sausage, which requires less cooking time.
3. To enhance the soup's aroma, toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the simmering stage.

## Creative twists

Feel free to put your own spin on this Tuscan soup! Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile. You can also add different vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for additional texture. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon and sausage, opting for vegetable broth and adding more kale and beans for protein.

## Your questions answered

### How long does it take to prepare this soup?

Preparation and cooking time is around 40-50 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

### Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! Tuscan soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or frozen for later consumption.

### What can I substitute for kale?

If you don't have kale on hand, Swiss chard or spinach can work beautifully. Adjust cooking time as necessary since they wilt faster than kale.

### Is this soup gluten-free?

Indeed! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so enjoy without worry.

This Tuscan soup is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors make it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Tuscan Soup

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A delightful blend of bacon, Italian sausage, and hearty greens, this Tuscan soup warms both body and soul, making it perfect for chilly evenings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 slices bacon Cook until crispy
1 lb Italian sausage Use mild or spicy based on preference
1 medium onion, diced
3 medium potatoes, sliced
4 cups kale, chopped Can substitute with Swiss chard or spinach
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream May substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
Salt and pepper To taste

Method

Cooking Process

In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the Italian sausage. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.
Add the diced onions and sliced potatoes to the pot. Sauté for about five minutes until the onions soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Gently stir in the chopped kale and let it cook for another five minutes until the kale wilts.
Add in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crumbled bacon for that extra touch of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2g

Notes

Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or alongside a fresh side salad. A robust red wine like Chianti complements the meal beautifully.

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