Description
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and comforting Italian soup featuring savory bacon, spicy Italian sausage, tender Yukon Gold potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this rich and flavorful soup combines sautéed meats and vegetables simmered in chicken broth with a touch of cream for indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 6 pieces bacon, chopped
- 1 pound spicy ground Italian sausage
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups roughly chopped kale
Liquids
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped bacon and sauté until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper-towel lined plate and spoon out excess oil, leaving about one tablespoon in the pot for flavor and to cook the sausage.
- Cook the onions and garlic: Add the diced onions to the pot, increase heat to medium-high, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the sausage: Add the spicy ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until fully browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the Yukon Gold potatoes, Italian seasoning, and low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
- Add kale, bacon, and cream: Add the roughly chopped kale, cooked bacon, and heavy whipping cream to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting classic.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Four cups of roughly chopped kale typically come from 4 to 5 large kale stems or about half a bunch.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild Italian sausage instead of spicy if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the soup will be less creamy.
- The soup reheats well and flavors deepen after resting overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
