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Creamy Zuppa Toscana Recipe Easy Hearty Italian Sausage Soup

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A hearty and creamy Italian sausage soup featuring spicy sausage, kale, and Yukon Gold potatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, spicy or mild, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, extra virgin preferred
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced or diced
  • 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if excessive but keep enough for richness.
  2. Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage, stirring occasionally. Cook until softened and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Stir in the sliced potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Increase heat to bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Once the potatoes are tender, add the chopped kale and stir until it wilts, about 3-5 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through, avoiding boiling after adding cream.
  5. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if using, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle stir.
  6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty Italian bread.

Notes

If soup looks thin, mash a few potato slices against the pot side and stir to thicken naturally. Keep kale tender but not mushy. Brown sausage properly for best flavor. Season in layers. Stir cream in gently off high heat to prevent curdling. For thicker soup, blend a cup or two and stir back in. For lighter or dairy-free versions, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. Use vegetable broth and plant-based sausage for vegetarian option. Freeze soup before adding cream; add cream fresh when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Zuppa Toscana, Italian sausage soup, hearty soup, kale soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, Italian soup

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/creamy-zuppa-toscana-recipe-easy-hearty-italian-sausage-soup/