Description
Zuppa Toscana is a comforting Italian soup blending savory Italian sausage, tender russet potatoes, and fresh kale in a rich, creamy broth. This hearty and flavorful dish offers a perfect balance of rustic and creamy textures, making it ideal for a satisfying meal that warms you up on chilly days. Easy to customize and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a classic favorite perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Broth
- 4 medium russet potatoes, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups chopped kale
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot until fully cooked and slightly crisp on the edges, locking in flavor and creating a savory base for the soup.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Remove the cooked sausage and use the rendered fat to sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, layering the flavor foundation.
- Add potatoes and broth: Return the sausage to the pot, then add the chopped russet potatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Incorporate the kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook until just wilted to preserve its vibrant color and slightly crisp texture.
- Finish with cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine and create a rich, velvety broth. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
Notes
- Brown sausage well to develop deep, meaty flavor that defines the soup.
- Use russet potatoes for creamy texture without becoming mushy.
- Add kale towards the end to retain a tender yet textured bite and vibrant green color.
- Season in layers, tasting and adjusting salt and pepper throughout cooking.
- Choose good-quality chicken broth to enhance the soup’s depth and richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Zuppa Toscana, Italian soup, sausage soup, creamy soup, kale soup, hearty soup
