Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a delicious Italian soup that warms you up with every spoonful. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. This comforting dish combines sausage, potatoes, kale, and bacon to create a delightful meal that is perfect for chilly days or any time you need a cozy dish.

Why Make This Recipe You should make Zuppa Toscana because it’s not only full of flavor, but it’s also very satisfying. The mix of savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and fresh kale makes it a well-rounded meal. This soup is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish!

How to Make Zuppa Toscana Ingredients:

• Crisp bacon: 4 slices, chopped
• Italian sausage: 1 pound, ground
• Onions: 1 medium, diced
• Potatoes: 3 medium, sliced
• Kale: 2 cups, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Chicken broth: 4 cups
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp

Directions:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside, leaving the grease in the pot.

2. Brown the Sausage: In the same pot, add the Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If there’s too much fat, drain it.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onions and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté them until the onions become translucent.

4. Cook the Potatoes: Stir in the sliced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

5. Add Kale and Cream: Finally, add the chopped kale and return the cooked bacon to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and optional red pepper flakes. Season it all with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Final Simmer: Simmer the soup for another 5 minutes until everything heats through well. Serve it hot for a warming meal.

How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Zuppa Toscana is best served hot. You can ladle the soup into bowls and top it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if you like. It pairs well with warm, crusty bread for dipping.

How to Store Zuppa Toscana If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warm.

Tips to Make Zuppa Toscana

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
• You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for extra nutrition.

Variations If you want to make a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. You can also use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage for a healthier option.

FAQs

• Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana? Yes, you can freeze the soup, but the texture may change when you thaw it due to the cream.
• Is there a vegetarian version of Zuppa Toscana? Yes! You can replace the sausage with a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition.