Description
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty Italian-inspired soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Sausage and Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, casings removed)
Vegetables
- 4-5 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups kale leaves, chopped
Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add chopped onions to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add the thinly sliced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Kale and Season: Stir in chopped kale leaves and season the soup with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Finish with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and heat through gently without boiling. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crusty bread on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute kale with spinach if desired, but kale provides the authentic texture and flavor.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit it entirely.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- Adding freshly ground black pepper just before serving enhances the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
