Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- Adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- For a sweet and aromatic base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Brings a lovely depth of flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth
- The soup’s flavorful liquid gold.
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- Provides heartiness and texture.
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- A nutritious addition that adds color and texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Gives the soup its creamy, luscious quality.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- For a bit of spice—adjust to your liking!
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Adds richness and helps with cooking the veggies.
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage:
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry if it sticks a bit; that’s where the flavor comes from!
- Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant. You’ll love how good your kitchen smells right now!
- Add the Potatoes and Broth:
- Next, toss in the diced potatoes, mixing them with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Incorporate the Sausage:
- Once the potatoes are cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot. Stir to combine everything and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add the Kale and Cream:
- Stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes until the kale is wilted and tender. If you want a little heat, this is the perfect time to sprinkle in those crushed red pepper flakes!
- Season to Perfection:
- Taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember, seasoning can really elevate the dish, so don’t skip this step!
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the Zuppa Toscana into bowls and enjoy it hot! You can garnish with extra red pepper flakes or even some freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like. It’s delicious paired with a crusty bread for dipping!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 22g