Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Zuppa Toscana is a hearty, flavorful soup from Italy that’s become a favorite for many. With its rich combination of sausage, potatoes, and kale, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal on a chilly evening or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, Zuppa Toscana fits the bill. Below is an easy recipe that will give you the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (preferably spicy, but mild works too)
• 4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, sliced thinly)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 bunch kale (stemmed and chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart using a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Add the Broth and Potatoes

Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Then, pour in the chicken broth and water, followed by the sliced potatoes. Stir everything together, making sure the potatoes are covered in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Add the Kale

Once the potatoes are tender, add the chopped kale to the soup. Stir until the kale wilts into the soup, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

5. Add Cream and Seasoning

Stir in the heavy cream for that luscious, creamy texture. Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Pro Tips:

• For a thicker soup: Use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the potatoes in the soup. This will create a creamy base without adding extra cream.
• Kale tips: If you prefer a more tender texture for the kale, you can cook it separately in a little olive oil and garlic before adding it to the soup.
• For extra flavor: Try using chicken sausage for a leaner alternative, or experiment with smoked sausage for a smokier, deeper flavor.
• Make it ahead: Zuppa Toscana can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop more, making it even more delicious the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Soup:

• Comforting and filling: The combination of sausage, potatoes, and kale creates a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Easy to make: You don’t need to be a master chef to make this soup—simple ingredients and easy steps make it perfect for any home cook.
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences, whether that’s adjusting the spice level or substituting ingredients.

Enjoy this delicious and warming bowl of Zuppa Toscana—perfect for a chilly day or any time you crave a satisfying meal!