Description
Zuppa Toscana is a comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. Perfect for a hearty meal, this soup combines savory flavors and a creamy texture that warms you up with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Bacon
- 6 pieces bacon, chopped
- 1 pound spicy ground Italian sausage
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups roughly chopped kale
Liquids and Dairy
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and sauté until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Spoon out excess bacon fat from the pot, leaving about one tablespoon for cooking the sausage and flavoring the soup.
- Cook the onions and garlic: Add the diced onions to the pot, increase heat to medium-high, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the sausage: Add the spicy ground Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, Italian seasoning, and low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Add kale, bacon, and cream: Stir in the roughly chopped kale, reserved crispy bacon, and heavy whipping cream. Simmer for another 5 minutes to combine flavors and wilt the kale.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For the kale, 4 cups roughly chopped usually comes from 4 to 5 large stems or about half a bunch.
- You can substitute spicy Italian sausage with mild sausage or turkey sausage for a different flavor or lighter option.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and keep the soup balanced.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
