Print

Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting Italian soup featuring spicy Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, crisp kale, and a creamy broth. This soul-warming recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, combining rich flavors with simple, accessible ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild based on preference)
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This creates the soup’s savory base.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, enhancing the broth’s depth of flavor.
  3. Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in diced russet potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, thickening the soup.
  4. Incorporate Kale and Seasonings: Add chopped kale and red pepper flakes, cooking until the kale wilts. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste.
  5. Finish with Cream: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Warm the soup through gently to create a velvety texture that balances all the flavors.

Notes

  • Use quality Italian sausage with fennel seeds for authentic flavor.
  • Add kale towards the end to keep it vibrant and tender.
  • Adjust the amount of heavy cream to your preferred creaminess.
  • Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
  • Prep ingredients ahead to save time on busy days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian soup, sausage soup, kale soup, creamy soup, comfort food, gluten free