Description
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, nutrient-rich kale, and a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this versatile recipe blends savory, spicy, and earthy flavors to deliver a cozy meal that suits both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 4 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
- 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
Liquids & Oils
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional and to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned. Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Add peeled and diced russet potatoes to the pot along with chicken broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Incorporate Kale and Seasonings: Once potatoes are soft, add chopped kale and sprinkle in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently and allow kale to wilt, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Finish with Cream: Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine thoroughly. Let the soup warm through without boiling to keep the cream silky and smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality Italian sausage with bold seasoning and good fat content for best flavor.
- Add kale toward the end of cooking to maintain its texture and vibrant color.
- Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling; do not boil.
- Cut potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and ideal texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes early and taste-test for custom heat levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian soup, comfort food, sausage soup, kale soup, creamy soup
