Italian Comfort Zuppa Toscana

$- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice) - 4 medium-sized potatoes, sliced thinly (Yukon Gold or Russet work well) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups kale, chopped (stems removed) For Zuppa Toscana, the main ingredients create a warm and tasty soup. The Italian sausage gives it great flavor. You can choose mild or spicy sausage based on your taste. Potatoes add heartiness, while onion and garlic bring depth. Kale adds a pop of color and nutrition. - 6 cups chicken broth Chicken broth is key for this soup. It forms the base and adds richness. Using a good-quality broth makes a big difference. You can also use homemade broth if you prefer. It will give your soup a fresh taste that’s hard to beat. - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. It adds a lovely creaminess that everyone enjoys. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut cream. It still gives a rich texture, but with a hint of sweetness. Both options work well, so choose what fits your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 chopped onion. Sauté until it turns translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir for another minute until the garlic smells great. This blend gives your soup a warm base. Now, take 1 pound of Italian sausage. Remove the casings and crumble the sausage into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook it until it's browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds a rich flavor to your soup. Once the sausage is ready, add 4 thinly sliced potatoes and 6 cups of chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring the pot to a boil. Then, lower the heat to let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the potatoes to be tender. After that, stir in 2 cups of chopped kale, 1 cup of heavy cream (or coconut cream), 1 teaspoon of oregano, and red pepper flakes if you want some spice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts. Your soup is now ready to enjoy! To make your Zuppa Toscana even better, adjust the seasonings. I love adding more garlic for a bold taste. You can also mix in fresh herbs like thyme or basil. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Taste your soup while cooking. This lets you find the right balance of salt and pepper. Small changes can make a big difference. For the right consistency, keep an eye on the potatoes. Slice them thinly so they cook fast and become creamy. Stir the soup often to prevent sticking. When you add the kale, let it wilt but stay bright green. This keeps the soup fresh and tasty. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream. Prep can be quick with a few easy tricks. Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time. You can even slice the potatoes the night before. Store them in water to stop browning. Use pre-washed kale to save time. If you have a busy day, make the soup in a slow cooker. Just set it and forget it! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your zuppa. Fresh kale and high-quality sausage can make a significant difference. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of cream or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. You can always add more later for richness. Customize the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance. You can also experiment with adding a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick! Perfect Potato Texture: For best results, slice the potatoes uniformly to ensure they cook evenly. Yukon Golds provide a creamy texture, while Russets are more starchy. {{image_2}} You can change up the key ingredients in Zuppa Toscana to suit your taste. For the sausage, try ground turkey or chicken. These options provide a leaner choice without losing flavor. If you're looking for a plant-based option, use crumbled tempeh or lentils. For the cream, heavy cream gives richness, but coconut cream is a great dairy-free swap. It adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness. To make a meat-free Zuppa Toscana, omit the sausage and add more veggies. Use mushrooms for a savory taste. You can also add lentils for protein and texture. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegan option. Adding extra spices, like smoked paprika, can enhance the flavor profile. This way, you still enjoy a hearty soup without the meat. You can make this soup even heartier by adding extras. Beans, like cannellini or chickpeas, add protein and fiber. Different greens, such as spinach or Swiss chard, complement the kale well. Try adding carrots for a touch of sweetness and color. For a unique twist, toss in some corn or bell peppers. These add-ins not only boost nutrition but also enhance the flavor and texture. To keep your Zuppa Toscana fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the soup cool down first. This prevents steam from building up, which can lead to sogginess. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it instead. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat the soup gently. Use a pot on the stove over low heat. Stir often to stop it from sticking. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps warm it evenly. Avoid boiling the soup, as it can change the texture. To freeze Zuppa Toscana, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This soup can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also use a microwave for quicker thawing. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your cozy soup even on cold days! Zuppa Toscana is a tasty Italian soup. It hails from the Tuscany region. This soup combines sausage, potatoes, and kale. It’s warm and hearty, perfect for chilly days. The dish showcases the comfort of home cooking. Many families enjoy it as a cozy meal. Yes, you can make Zuppa Toscana dairy-free. Just swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This gives the soup a creamy texture without dairy. You can also use almond milk or oat milk for a lighter option. Adjust the flavors to keep it rich and satisfying. Zuppa Toscana can have a bit of spice. The red pepper flakes add heat. You can control the spice level by using less or more. If you prefer no heat, skip the flakes altogether. The soup remains hearty and delicious without them. This post covered all you need to make Zuppa Toscana. You learned about key ingredients like sausage, veggies, and broth options. We discussed cooking steps, tips, and even variations for your taste. You can store leftovers and reheat them with ease. In conclusion, Zuppa Toscana is simple to make and enjoy. You can customize it with your favorite flavors. Try different cream and veggie options for variety. Whether for a cozy dinner or meal prep, this soup fits every need. Enjoy making it your own!$

A hearty Italian soup made with sausage, potatoes, kale, and cream.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
4 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups kale, chopped
1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for serving freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the sausage is browned, add the sliced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the chopped kale, heavy cream (or coconut cream), oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Keyword comfort food, Italian, soup