Zuppa Toscana Recipe: A Hearty Italian Soup
Looking for a comforting and flavorful soup? Look no further than zuppa toscana recipe! This classic Italian soup is packed with sausage, kale, potatoes, and a creamy broth, making it the perfect meal for a chilly evening. It's surprisingly easy to make at home and can be customized to your liking.
This zuppa toscana recipe is a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a family favorite. The combination of savory sausage, earthy kale, and hearty potatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy a taste of Tuscany in your own kitchen.
Keywords
- Zuppa Toscana Recipe
- Italian Soup
- Sausage and Kale Soup
- Tuscan Soup Recipe
- Creamy Soup Recipe
- Easy Soup Recipe
- Homemade Soup
- Potato Soup
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the olive oil to the pot with the sausage fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Potatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Sausage and Kale: Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add the chopped kale and cook until the kale is wilted, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and heat through, but do not boil.
- Serve: Serve the zuppa toscana recipe hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are some helpful tips and variations for this zuppa toscana recipe:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the soup.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or simply omit it for a vegetarian version. You may need to add extra olive oil for sautéing.
- Different Greens: Spinach can be used in place of kale.
- Thicker Soup: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before adding the cream.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the cream just before serving to prevent it from curdling.
Enjoy Your Zuppa Toscana!
Enjoy your homemade zuppa toscana recipe! This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy night in. Don't forget to share it with friends and family!
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