My Creamy Potato, Chicken Sausage, and Kale Soup: A Delicious Twist on Zuppa Toscana
Cozy Up with Our Pork-Free Zuppa Toscana
Craving a hearty, comforting soup that’s packed with flavor but skips the pork? Look no further! Our Pork-Free Zuppa Toscana is a delicious twist on the classic Italian-American favorite. This creamy, flavorful soup is perfect for a chilly evening, a casual weeknight dinner, or a comforting lunch. It’s surprisingly easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite.
Zuppa Toscana, meaning “Tuscan Soup,” is traditionally a hearty soup originating from the Tuscany region of Italy. While many versions include Italian sausage (often pork-based), we’ve created a version that uses chicken or turkey sausage, making it a wonderful option for those who prefer poultry or avoid pork. We don’t sacrifice any of the flavor – promise!
What makes our Pork-Free Zuppa Toscana special?
- Flavorful Broth: We start with a rich chicken broth as the base, creating a comforting and satisfying soup.
- Creamy Texture: Heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess that perfectly complements the potatoes and kale.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Quick & Convenient: Ready in just 35 minutes, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! While we recommend chicken or turkey sausage for this pork-free version, you can use Italian chicken sausage with added herbs for even more flavor.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! Zuppa Toscana actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While you can freeze it, the potatoes may become slightly grainy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Q: What kind of kale should I use?
A: We recommend using Tuscan kale (also known as Lacinato kale or dinosaur kale) for its slightly sweeter flavor and tender texture. However, curly kale will also work.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort! This Pork-Free Zuppa Toscana is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Pork-Free Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken or turkey sausage broken apart
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 large potatoes sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups kale chopped, stems removed
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- to taste garlic powder
- optional crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken or turkey sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and sliced potatoes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Cook until the kale is wilted and the soup is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve hot.
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