homemade zuppa toscana soup recipe
Cozy Up with Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening? Today, we’re sharing our take on a classic Italian-American favorite: Zuppa Toscana! This hearty soup, meaning “Tuscan Soup” in Italian, is packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. Forget those restaurant versions – making it at home is surprisingly easy and so much tastier.
Our Zuppa Toscana recipe features savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a generous amount of kale, all simmered in a rich and creamy broth. It’s the perfect blend of rustic comfort and flavorful indulgence. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl!
What makes our recipe special? We focus on building layers of flavor. Rendering the bacon first infuses the entire soup with smoky goodness. Using both hot and mild Italian sausage allows you to customize the heat level, and the kale adds a beautiful texture and nutritional boost. Plus, we’ve streamlined the process to make it weeknight-friendly.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your Zuppa Toscana with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth! A simple green salad also makes a lovely accompaniment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of sausage? While Italian sausage is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like chorizo or andouille for a different twist.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! Zuppa Toscana actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana? Yes, but the texture of the potatoes and kale may change slightly. It’s best to freeze it before adding the cream.
- Is this soup spicy? It depends on the sausage you use! We recommend using a combination of hot and mild Italian sausage to control the heat level. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- What kind of kale should I use? Lacinato (dinosaur) kale or curly kale both work well. Remove the tough stems before chopping.
- Can I substitute the heavy cream? While heavy cream provides the richest flavor and texture, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Be aware that the soup won’t be as creamy.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and comforting Zuppa Toscana soup! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Homemade Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage hot or mild
- 8 oz Thick-cut bacon
- 1 medium Yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 5 medium Russet potatoes peeled and chopped
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 bunch Kale chopped
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste
- 1/4 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the chopped potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Cook until the kale is wilted and tender, about 5 minutes.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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