Zuppa Toscana is a popular Italian-inspired soup that is known for its hearty and flavorful ingredients. It is often associated with the Olive Garden restaurant chain in the United States, where it has become a favorite among patrons. Here’s a basic recipe for making Zuppa Toscana at home:
Ingredients:
1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild, based on your preference) 4-6 slices of bacon, chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 3-4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups chicken broth 3-4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds 2 cups kale, chopped 1 cup heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat) Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the cooked sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel to drain. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté them in the bacon fat until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the sliced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until it wilts and becomes tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to heat through. If desired, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for added flavor and heat.
- Serve the Zuppa Toscana hot, garnished with the crispy bacon pieces and grated Parmesan cheese.
This soup is known for its rich and creamy broth, the savory flavor of Italian sausage, the crispiness of bacon, and the earthy taste of kale. It’s a comforting and filling soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal, especially during the colder months. Enjoy
