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Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana
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This easy Zuppa Toscana recipe delivers a hearty, comforting soup filled with spicy Italian sausage, creamy russet potatoes, and fresh kale in a savory chicken broth finished with rich heavy cream. Perfect for chilly days, it offers balanced, rich flavors and satisfying textures that make it a beloved Tuscan classic. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, this soup is ideal for warming family dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild, according to preference)
  • 4 cups chopped fresh kale
  • 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving behind the flavorful fat.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, building the base flavor for the soup.
  3. Add potatoes and broth: Pour in diced russet potatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook fully and soften the broth.
  4. Stir in kale and sausage: Add the chopped kale and browned sausage back into the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until the kale is wilted but still vibrant green, preserving texture and color while blending flavors.
  5. Finish with cream and seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to create a creamy texture throughout. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, then simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.

Notes

  • Choose quality sausage: Great flavor starts with good, fresh Italian sausage.
  • Don’t overcook the kale: Wilt it but keep it slightly firm for both texture and color.
  • Use starchy potatoes: Russet potatoes naturally thicken the soup without extra thickeners.
  • Toast garlic lightly: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to keep a mellow rich taste.
  • Simmer gently after adding cream: Avoid boiling to prevent curdling and maintain silkiness.
  • Adjust spice level gradually: Add red pepper flakes slowly, tasting as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian sausage soup, kale soup, creamy potato soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, Tuscan soup

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/zuppa-toscana/