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Zuppa Toscana Soup

Zuppa Toscana Soup
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Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty Italian-inspired comfort soup combining savory Italian sausage, creamy russet potatoes, fresh kale, and a rich broth finished with heavy cream. This cozy, flavorful soup is perfect for chilly evenings and offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes, from spicy sausage to tender greens and silky creaminess.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Vegetables

  • 4 cups diced russet potatoes
  • 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Spices & Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Cook the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks to build the base flavor and add hearty richness.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Remove the sausage and set aside. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, creating a delicious flavor foundation.
  3. Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in diced russet potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Incorporate Kale and Sausage: Add the chopped kale along with the cooked sausage back into the pot. Simmer for a few minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and the flavors to meld.
  5. Stir in Cream and Season: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine and heat through without boiling to prevent curdling.
  6. Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the comforting warmth and nourishing goodness.

Notes

  • Cook Sausage Well: Browning thoroughly releases maximum flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overcook Kale: Add kale near the end to keep it tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
  • Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes break down slightly to naturally thicken the broth.
  • Simmer Gently: Keep a low simmer after adding cream to avoid curdling.
  • Adjust Creaminess: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter soup, though texture will be less silky.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian soup, sausage soup, kale soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/zuppa-toscana-soup/