Creamy Tuscan Sausage Kale Soup
Creamy Tuscan Sausage Kale Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever feel like you need a warm hug from the inside out? Honestly, this toscana soup recipe is exactly that.
This recipe is a one-way ticket to flavour town and it's as creamy as your favourite latte.
Brief Overview
The Zuppa Toscana soup hails from, you guessed it, Tuscany! It's a comforting and rustic soup, often enjoyed during the colder months.
It's a super easy zuppa toscana recipe , taking about 50 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields six servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.
Main Benefits
This soup isn't just delicious; it's packed with nutrients. The kale and sausage soup provides a good dose of vitamins and protein.
It’s the ideal dish for a cosy night in or a casual get-together with friends. What makes this creamy tuscan soup recipe special? The rich, savory broth combined with the slight kick of red pepper flakes.
It’s an absolute winner, mate .
look into into Deliciousness
Ready to whip up this crowd-pleasing dish? This soup tastes better than the copycat version of Olive Garden Toscana Soup .
We're talking proper Italian comfort food. First things first, grab your ingredients. You'll need Italian sausage, onion, garlic, chicken broth, Yukon Gold potatoes, kale, heavy cream, red pepper flakes (optional), olive oil, salt, pepper, Parmesan cheese, and crusty bread.
Getting Started: The Sausage
Let's kick things off. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot. Add 450 grams of Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon.
Browned sausage equals maximum flavour. Remove the sausage and set it aside for later.
Building the Base: Onions and Garlic
Next, add 1 chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened. Throw in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant. But watch out! Burnt garlic is the devil's work.
The Broth and Potatoes
Time to add the magic. Pour in 2 liters of chicken broth and 450 grams of diced Yukon Gold potatoes.
Bring it to a boil, then simmer until those spuds are soft as butter.
Sausage and Kale: The Dream Team
Now, stir in the browned sausage and 1 bunch of chopped kale. Cook until the kale wilts. This usually takes just a few minutes.
No soggy kale allowed!. You're almost done with this bowl of happiness!
The Creamy Finale
Stir in 240 ml of heavy cream and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave). Heat it through, but don't let it boil.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Tuscan Soup into bowls. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top. Serve with crusty bread. Sorted .
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Toscana Soup Recipe
Alright, let's talk ingredients for the toscana soup recipe that's about to rock your world! Honestly, it's simpler than you think.
This Zuppa Toscana soup is all about getting the right flavors working together.
Main Ingredients: What You Need
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound (450g) . This is crucial! Get good quality sausage. Sweet or hot, your call!
- Onion: 1 medium (about 1 cup or 150g) , chopped. Yellow onion is ideal.
- Garlic: 2 cloves (about 2 teaspoons or 6g) , minced. Freshly minced is best, you know?
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups (2 liters) . Low sodium gives you more control.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 pound (450g) , peeled and diced. Yukon Golds are creamy!
- Kale: 1 bunch (6-8 oz or 170-225g) , stemmed and chopped. Curly kale is classic.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Don't skimp. It's what makes it creamy Tuscan soup recipe !
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional) . For a little kick!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Extra virgin.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
For the Italian sausage, look for links that are firm and have good marbling. If you're going spicy, make sure they're actually spicy.
Ain't nobody got time for a mild "hot" sausage, am I right?
Seasoning: The Flavour Boost
Forget fancy stuff. We want that genuine flavour.
- Essential Spice: Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling sassy).
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic create that yummy base. Think Mediterranean summer.
- Substitutions: If you don't have red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne will do.
Equipment: Kitchen Essentials
You really don't need much to make this Easy Zuppa Toscana Recipe . It's all about simple, hearty cooking.
- Large Dutch Oven or Pot: Essential. A nice heavy one spreads the heat evenly.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Obvs.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is your friend.
No Dutch oven? A large, heavy-bottomed pot will work just fine. Don't stress it. Now you're ready to get cookin' this Hearty Italian Soup Recipe !
Cooking Up Some Magic: Toscana Soup Recipe Time!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good soup recipe ? Especially when it’s hearty and comforting like a warm hug. Today, we're diving into the delicious world of Toscana Soup .
You know, that creamy, dreamy Italian Sausage Soup that just hits the spot on a chilly evening? It’s easier than you think, even if you're not exactly a culinary whiz.
And I'll even share some pro tips to make it extra special!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
This is what will separate you between a disaster, and making great " Hearty Italian Soup Recipes "!
First, the essential stuff. Chop that one medium yellow onion into small pieces. Mince two cloves of garlic finely. Dice one pound of Yukon Gold potatoes.
Chop up one bunch of kale. Get one pound of Italian sausage.
Now, for some time-saving goodness: Peel and dice potatoes before you start anything else. Honestly, it makes life so much easier. Just prep everything first!
Step-by-Step: From Pot to Bowl
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your pot.
- Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage. Remember to break it up. Take the sausage out and set it aside.
- Sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth. Add diced potatoes. Simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15- 20 minutes ).
- Stir in the sausage and kale. Cook until the kale is wilted (about 5 minutes ).
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional). Don't boil it!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with Parmesan cheese and crusty bread.
Pro Tips for Zuppa Toscana Perfection
Want to take your Zuppa Toscana Soup to the next level? Here's the tea.
- Browning the sausage is key . It gives you the best flavour!
- Don't overcook the kale. You want it tender but not mushy. Nobody wants that! The final product must be Creamy Tuscan Soup Recipe !
- Make-ahead option: The soup tastes even better the next day! So, make it a day in advance.
Seriously, this Easy Zuppa Toscana Recipe will have you saying "That's Amore" in no time. Enjoy your Tuscan Soup , friend!.
Next time you crave that Olive Garden Toscana Soup Copycat vibes, try making this instead.
Recipe Notes: Zuppa Toscana Secrets
Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this toscana soup recipe ! Consider this section my brain dump of extra tips.
It’s my experience turned into helpful pointers. I want your Zuppa Toscana soup to be amazing .
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters! This hearty Italian soup recipe looks great in rustic bowls. A swirl of cream is always a winner.
Some freshly grated Parmesan? Oh my gosh , yes! Crusty bread on the side is a must. Honestly, who can resist dipping? I would also suggest a side salad, something light and refreshing like a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Fridge it up! It will stay fresh for three to four days . Make sure it’s in an airtight container.
You can also freeze it! It keeps for up to three months . Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Microwaving works too, you know? Add a splash of broth if needed.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Want to make this Italian sausage soup your own? Easy peasy! For a dairy-free version, ditch the heavy cream. Use coconut cream instead.
You won't even notice the difference. Want to up the veggies? Throw in some extra kale or spinach. It's a fantastic way to sneak in extra greens.
It also works well as a base for other hearty Italian soup recipes , if you want to explore different vegetables or different sausage types.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
This creamy Tuscan soup recipe is more than just tasty. It has protein from the sausage. The veggies pack in vitamins.
Potatoes are a great source of carbs. However, it is calorie-rich, so enjoy in moderation. Remember everything is good, as long as it is in moderation! Honestly, a bowl of this Kale and Sausage Soup is a total win.
So there you have it! My best tips for the ultimate Olive Garden Toscana soup copycat . This easy Zuppa Toscana recipe is waiting for you to customize and enjoy! Go make it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover Toscana soup recipe, and how long will it last?
Storing your leftover Zuppa Toscana is a doddle! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It'll happily last for 3-4 days in the fridge. Just be aware that the potatoes might absorb some of the liquid, but it'll still taste amazing. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave – easy peasy!
Can I freeze this Toscana soup recipe for later?
Freezing Zuppa Toscana isn't ideal because the heavy cream can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, if you're determined, you can freeze it! I'd recommend leaving out the cream when you make it, then stir it in when you reheat after thawing. It's a bit of a faff, but worth it to avoid the texture change!
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this Toscana soup recipe?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, just swap the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it meat-free. To make it vegan, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy, dairy-free alternative. Boom – vegetarian and vegan friends rejoice!
My Toscana soup is too thick! How can I thin it out?
Oops, did you accidentally create Toscana stew instead of soup? No worries, that's easily fixed! Simply add a little more chicken broth (or vegetable broth, if you're going veggie) until you reach your desired consistency. Start with 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well and letting it heat through before adding more. You'll have it singing 'I'm forever blowing bubbles' in no time!
How can I make this Toscana soup recipe spicier?
Fancy a bit of a kick? Easy peasy! Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage for a fiery base. You can also add extra red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup. Taste as you go to make sure it's just right for your palate. Don't say I didn't warn you if you go overboard!
Can I use different types of greens in this Toscana soup recipe other than kale?
You certainly can! While kale provides a lovely, hearty texture, spinach is a great alternative if you prefer something milder. Just add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process, as it wilts much faster than kale. Other options include collard greens or Swiss chard, but they may require a bit more cooking time to become tender. Variety is the spice of life, after all!
