How to Make ZUPPA TOSCANA (Better Than Olive Garden!)
Recipe Overview
Overview
Zuppa Toscana is a delightful Italian soup that has become a favorite for many, especially during the colder months. This recipe brings together spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale, all enveloped in a creamy broth that warms the soul. The combination of flavors is both comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home.
The preparation is straightforward, starting with dicing onions and potatoes, which add depth and heartiness to the dish. The bacon is cooked until crispy, releasing its savory fat, which is then used to sauté the onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base. Adding the sausage and letting it brown slightly before incorporating the potatoes and broth ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
One of the standout features of this soup is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing different types of sausage, whether you prefer it hot, mild, or even sweet. Additionally, the recipe allows for customization with other vegetables or greens, making it adaptable to your taste preferences. The heavy cream at the end ties everything together, creating a rich and luscious texture that elevates this dish from a simple soup to a hearty meal.
Whether you’re serving it on a rainy day or for a family gathering, Zuppa Toscana is sure to impress. It’s a dish that not only fills the belly but also brings warmth and comfort, making it a staple in many households. Don’t forget to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping, enhancing the overall experience.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Dice up one yellow onion and set it aside.
Dice up 1.5 lbs of Yukon Gold or white potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Tip: Use Yukon Gold or white potatoes for better texture in soups.
Chop about four cups of kale, removing the leaves from the stems.
Cut six slices of bacon into chunks about an inch wide.
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the bacon, cooking until browned and crispy.
Tip: Cook bacon until crispy for better texture in the soup.
Remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate, leaving 1 to 2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add five minced cloves of garlic to the pot.
Tip: Don't worry about the garlic being too strong; cream will soften the flavor.
Add one pound of spicy ground Italian sausage and break it up as it cooks.
Add the diced potatoes, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and six cups of chicken broth to the pot.
Tip: Use low sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
Stir the mixture and bring the soup to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium low and let it simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
Add one cup of heavy cream and stir.
Bring the soup back up to a simmer and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Add cracked black pepper to the soup before serving.
Tip: Add cracked black pepper before serving for extra flavor.
Add the chopped kale and reserved bacon to the soup.
Tip: Adjust the spiciness of the soup by choosing different types of sausage.
Tip: Customize the recipe by using chicken sausage instead of pork.
Tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Zuppa Toscana is known for its rich and creamy texture, which comes from the addition of heavy cream.
- •Using Yukon Gold potatoes helps maintain their shape and adds a creamy texture to the soup.
- •Kale can be substituted with other leafy greens like spinach or chard for different flavors.
- •Cooking the bacon until crispy enhances the flavor and texture of the soup.
