Easy Zuppa Toscana Recipe

Introduction

Easy Zuppa Toscana is a comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring savory sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and hearty kale in a creamy broth. This simple recipe delivers rich flavors and warmth, perfect for cozy dinners any time of year.

Ingredients

• 5 strips of bacon (thick cut works best)
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (beef broth works too)
• 4 cups water
• 4 large red potatoes, diced (leave skins on)
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 1 small bunch of kale, torn into bite-size pieces (remove stems)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Using kitchen shears or a knife, cut the bacon into small pieces and add it to a pot. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes to start browning the bacon.
2. Step 2: Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage and bacon are nicely browned and crispy, about 15 minutes or longer. If there is excess fat, spoon some out but leave a few tablespoons to keep the flavor.
3. Step 3: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften.
4. Step 4: Add the chicken broth, water, diced potatoes, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and torn kale. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale softens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
• Leave the potato skins on for added texture and nutrients.
• Remove some excess fat after cooking the bacon and sausage for a less greasy soup.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. The kale may wilt further, but the soup will remain flavorful and comforting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sausage, then use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding mushrooms or plant-based sausage for extra texture and flavor.

Is it okay to use other greens besides kale?

Yes, you can substitute spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens for the kale. Add them towards the end of cooking so they stay tender but not overcooked.

Easy Zuppa Toscana Recipe

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This Easy Zuppa Toscana recipe is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring savory sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale in a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines rich flavors and simple ingredients to create a delicious homemade soup that’s ready in under an hour.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein

• 5 strips of thick-cut bacon
• 1 pound Italian sausage

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large red potatoes, diced with skins on
• 1 small bunch of kale, torn into bite-sized pieces, stems removed

Liquids and Seasonings

• 2 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 4 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare and cook bacon: Using kitchen shears or a knife, cut the thick-cut bacon into small pieces and add them to a pot. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes to give the bacon a head start and begin rendering the fat.
2. Add and brown sausage: Add the Italian sausage meat to the pot with the bacon. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally for 15 or more minutes until the sausage and bacon are nicely browned and crispy. If there’s excess fat in the pot, spoon out some of it, leaving a few tablespoons for flavor.
3. Sauté aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add broth, water, potatoes, and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the diced red potatoes and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture.
5. Simmer the soup: Turn the heat up to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to medium-low heat and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Finish with cream and kale: Stir in the heavy cream and torn kale pieces. Cook for a further 5 minutes until the kale softens and the soup is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.

Notes

• Using thick-cut bacon adds extra flavor and texture to the soup.
• Feel free to use beef broth instead of chicken broth for a deeper flavor.
• Keep the potato skins on for added texture and nutrients.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the soup will be less rich.
• Remove excess fat carefully to avoid making the soup greasy but leave enough for flavor enhancement.

Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian soup recipe, creamy sausage soup, kale soup, potato soup, easy stovetop soup