Description
This homemade Zuppa Toscana is a comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring flavorful Italian sausage, tender potatoes, hearty kale, and a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare in about 45 minutes, serving six people.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups kale, chopped and stems removed
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its aroma.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the chicken broth, water, and sliced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Continue simmering for 5-7 minutes until the kale has wilted and the flavors have melded.
- Season and Serve: Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, ideally with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Russet potatoes work best as they hold their shape but become tender when simmered.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative.
- Removing kale stems prevents any tough textured bites in the soup.
- This soup reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
