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Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana
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Zuppa Toscana is a rich, creamy Italian-inspired soup that combines savory Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, and fresh kale in a flavorful chicken broth. This hearty meal delivers comforting warmth with bold, balanced flavors and a velvety texture from heavy cream, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or batch cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Meat

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild)

Vegetables

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Fats

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent to build the soup’s base flavor.
  3. Add potatoes and broth: Add the cubed potatoes to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape.
  4. Stir in kale and sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the pot along with the chopped kale. Let the kale wilt slightly, blending the rich flavors together.
  5. Finish with cream and seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Heat gently without boiling until warmed through and slightly thickened.

Notes

  • Use quality sausage for the best flavor; fresh from a butcher or a trusted brand works well.
  • Don’t overcook the kale to maintain its texture and vibrant color; add it near the end.
  • Cut potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
  • Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling; avoid boiling.
  • Adjust salt and pepper at the end for perfect seasoning balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian soup, creamy sausage soup, kale soup, comforting soup, hearty soup

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