Description
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a warm and inviting dish that brings together the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale, all enveloped in a creamy broth. This hearty soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its rich taste and satisfying nature, it’s no wonder that this Italian classic has become a favorite comfort food. Quick to prepare—ready in just about an hour—this recipe allows you to enjoy the homemade goodness without spending all day in the kitchen. Customizable and versatile, you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 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)
- 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
Instructions
- In a heavy pot, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Cook the bacon in the same pot until crispy; reserve drippings.
- Sauté onions in reserved drippings until soft; add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour for two minutes; add chicken broth and bouillon, bringing it to a boil.
- Add potatoes and cook until fork-tender (about 10 minutes).
- Reduce heat, stir in cream, cooked sausage, bacon, and kale; simmer for two minutes.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg