Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale in a creamy broth. This soup is known for its rich flavors and satisfying texture, making it a favorite choice for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Topped with optional crispy bacon and grated Parmesan cheese, each spoonful offers a perfect balance of creamy indulgence and wholesome ingredients, creating a memorable dining experience that’s both comforting and delicious.
Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Ingredients
1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage – use mild for kid-friendly
4 tablespoons butter
½ white onion – diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
4-5 yellow potatoes – cut into 1-inch pieces
3 teaspoons salt – or to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
4 cups chopped kale
chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese for topping – optional
Instructions
In a large pot saute sausage 5-6 minutes until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same pot, add butter and saute onions over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and saute for another minute until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, water, potatoes, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Boil until potatoes are tender. Stir in kale, and heavy cream. Add sausage. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
Serve garnished with grated parmesan cheese and/or bacon if desired.
Notes:
Choosing Sausage: Opt for spicy Italian sausage for a robust flavor, or use mild sausage if serving to kids or those sensitive to spice.
Cooking Process: Browning the sausage adds depth to the soup’s flavor. Use a slotted spoon to remove excess grease before adding other ingredients.
Flavor Base: Sauteing onions in butter creates a flavorful base. Garlic is added towards the end to prevent burning and to retain its aromatic qualities.
Broth and Potatoes: The combination of chicken broth and water creates a balanced soup base. Ensure potatoes are cut evenly to cook uniformly.
Seasoning: Start with the recommended amount of salt and pepper, adjusting to taste after the soup has simmered. Heavy cream adds richness; adjust quantity based on preference.
Adding Kale: Stir in chopped kale towards the end of cooking to preserve its color and texture. It adds freshness and nutritional value to the soup.
Topping Options: Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and/or bacon bits for added flavor and texture. These toppings are optional but enhance the soup’s presentation and taste.
Storage and Reheating: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
Customization: Feel free to customize by adding additional vegetables like carrots or celery, or adjusting the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream.
Serve Warm: Serve the soup hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a satisfying meal. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper just before serving, if needed.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 833 kcal, Carbohydrates: 16 g, Protein: 25 g, Fat: 76 g, Saturated Fat: 38 g, Trans Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 246 mg, Sodium: 3849 mg, Potassium: 1084 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 2 g, Vitamin A: 8563 IU, Vitamin C: 110 mg, Calcium: 241 mg, Iron: 3 mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use mild sausage instead of spicy for a milder version of Zuppa Toscana?
Yes, you can definitely use mild Italian sausage if you prefer a less spicy flavor, especially for a kid-friendly version.
Can I substitute any other greens for kale in Zuppa Toscana?
Yes, you can use spinach or Swiss chard as alternatives to kale in this soup.
Is it necessary to use butter, or can I use a different cooking oil?
Butter adds a rich flavor, but you can substitute it with olive oil or another cooking oil if you prefer.
Can I make Zuppa Toscana ahead of time and reheat it later?
Yes, this soup reheats well.
Store it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
How long should I boil the potatoes to ensure they’re tender?
Boil the potatoes for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of yellow potatoes?
While it will alter the flavor slightly, you can use sweet potatoes if you prefer.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
What type of bacon is best for topping Zuppa Toscana?
You can use regular bacon or turkey bacon for topping.
Crumbled bacon bits work well too.
Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the cream.
Add the cream when reheating after thawing.
What other optional toppings can I add for extra flavor?
Besides bacon and Parmesan cheese, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.