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Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting Italian soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, and fresh kale in a creamy broth. This one-pot dish combines rich flavors with simple ingredients for a nourishing meal perfect for chilly days, offering a delicious balance of spice, creaminess, and greens.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild, according to preference)

Vegetables

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into uniform pieces
  • 6 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Dairy

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until golden and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes, establishing a flavorful base.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same pot, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced potatoes and return the cooked sausage to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Kale and Cream: Add the chopped kale to the pot, stirring until it wilts into the hot broth, about 5 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring to combine and warm through without letting it boil.
  5. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir well, then ladle into bowls and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground Italian sausage for the best flavor.
  • Add kale last to maintain its bright texture and color.
  • Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Allowing the soup to sit for a few hours or overnight enhances flavor harmony.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soups
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian soup, comfort food, sausage soup, kale soup, creamy soup, spicy sausage, one-pot meal