Zuppa Toscana Soup

This Zuppa Toscana Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale in a creamy broth. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this soup is not only delicious but incredibly satisfying. Its unique flavors and heartwarming qualities make it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Hearty and Filling: With protein from the sausage and bacon, plus the goodness of potatoes and kale, it’s a meal that satisfies.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup with different greens or meats based on your preference.
• Comforting Flavor: The rich and creamy broth paired with savory sausage creates a warm hug in a bowl.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this soup fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking much easier. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Zuppa Toscana Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-based pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-based pot or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for cooking the soup thoroughly without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Ingredients

This Zuppa Toscana Soup features spicy Italian sausage, crisp bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale, all simmered in a creamy broth. A perfect blend of taste and comfort in every bowl!

Ingredients:
– 1 pound mild Italian Sausage (hot or mild)
– 1/2 cup diced bacon
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 large onion (finely chopped)
– 6 cloves garlic (minced)
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cube beef bouillon (crushed)
– 4-5 small Russet potatoes (about 1 pound, rinsed and sliced into 1/4-inch slices)
– 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
– 3 cups chopped kale, hard stems removed (substitute with baby spinach leaves or Swiss chard)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
– 1 teaspoon EACH: mustard powder, dried parsley, ground fennel
– ½ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, adjust to your taste)
– Grated Parmesan

How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a heavy-based pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. After about 10 minutes, when the sausage is browned and fully cooked, drain off most of the oil, leaving roughly 1 teaspoon of drippings in the pot. Then, transfer the cooked sausage to a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In the same pot/Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 2 minutes. After cooking, drain the pot while reserving around 1-2 teaspoons of bacon drippings. Transfer to the plate with the cooked sausage.

Step 3: Sauté Onions

Add the reserved drippings and butter to the soup pot. Then add the onions. Cook over medium heat until they soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Add Flour

Add flour to the mixture while stirring continuously for about two minutes, until the raw flour smell is gone.

Step 6: Pour Broth

Turn up the heat to high. Pour in chicken broth to bring it to a boil. Season with crushed bouillon along with all seasonings.

Step 7: Cook Potatoes

Add potatoes to boiling broth. Cook until fork-tender, which should take about ten minutes.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Lower heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream along with cooked sausage and bacon followed by adding kale. Allow mixture to simmer for two minutes until kale leaves have softened.

Step 9: Serve

Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top if desired! Enjoy your delicious Zuppa Toscana Soup!

How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup

Serving Zuppa Toscana Soup is all about enhancing the flavors and creating a warm, inviting experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your soup.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping. The bread’s texture complements the creamy soup perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread adds extra flavor and makes for a satisfying accompaniment.

Add Toppings

• Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of richness.
• Chili Flakes: Offer red chili flakes on the side for those who enjoy a little heat in their soup.

Serve as a Meal

• Salad Side: Pair your soup with a light salad, such as a Caesar or garden salad, for a balanced meal.
• Wine Pairing: Consider serving with a glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the soup.

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How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana Soup

To make sure your Zuppa Toscana Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage will enhance the flavor significantly.
• Adjust Creaminess: Modify the amount of cream according to your preference for richness; less cream yields a lighter soup.
• Simmer Longer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you want deeper flavors; just be sure not to overcook the kale.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A pinch more salt can make all the difference.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat for an easy meal.

Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Zuppa Toscana Soup can create a more complete dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots drizzled with garlic butter make an excellent addition for dipping in the soup.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer bright flavors that complement the richness of the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s appeal.
5. Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies create an impressive spread alongside your soup.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide an elegant touch that pairs wonderfully with this hearty dish.
7. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad adds texture and can be made in various styles to suit your taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Zuppa Toscana Soup, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the sausage browning: This adds flavor. Make sure to brown the sausage well for a robust taste.
• Using too much liquid: Stick to the recipe measurements. Adding too much broth can dilute the flavors and creamy texture.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so adjust seasonings based on your preference.
• Overcooking the kale: Kale should be tender but still vibrant. Add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its color and nutrition.
• Ignoring potato slicing thickness: Cut potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch slices for even cooking. Thicker slices may take longer to soften.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Zuppa Toscana Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing it.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Oven: Heat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Zuppa Toscana Soup that might help you with your cooking experience.

What is Zuppa Toscana Soup?

Zuppa Toscana Soup is a delicious Italian soup made with spicy sausage, bacon, potatoes, kale, and cream. It’s known for its comforting flavors.

Can I make Zuppa Toscana Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

How can I customize my Zuppa Toscana Soup?

You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. For an extra kick, consider adding more chili flakes or hot sauce.

What should I serve with Zuppa Toscana Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A side of garlic bread is also a perfect match!

Final Thoughts

Zuppa Toscana Soup is not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. We encourage you to try this comforting soup and enjoy its rich flavors any day of the week!