Zuppa Toscana Soup
This Zuppa Toscana Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that warms the heart. Featuring spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale simmered in a creamy broth, this soup is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or at a festive occasion, the comforting qualities of this dish will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sausage, bacon, and fresh vegetables creates a rich and savory taste that is hard to resist.
- Comforting Dish: This soup is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this soup in under an hour.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of greens.
- Hearty Meal: Packed with protein and healthy veggies, this soup serves as a filling meal on its own.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. With these handy items, you’ll be well-equipped to create your Zuppa Toscana Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-based pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-based pot or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, ensuring your soup cooks perfectly without burning.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot‘s surface while breaking up ingredients evenly.
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!
Meat & Dairy
- 1 pound mild Italian Sausage (hot or mild)
- 1/2 cup diced bacon
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4-5 small Russet potatoes (about 1 pound, rinsed and sliced into 1/4-inch slices)
- 3 cups chopped kale hard stems removed (substitute with baby spinach leaves or Swiss chard)
Broth & Spices
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cube beef bouillon (crushed)
- 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)
Garnish
- 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 but leave roughly 1 teaspoon of drippings in the pot. 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. 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. Add the onions and cook over medium heat until they soften, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour
Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes until the raw flour smell dissipates.
Step 6: Bring to Boil
Turn up the heat to high and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil. Season with crushed bouillon and add all seasonings.
Step 7: Cook Potatoes
Add sliced potatoes to boiling broth. Cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
Step 8: Add Cream & Greens
Lower heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream along with cooked sausage and bacon. Add kale and allow mixture to simmer for another 2 minutes until kale softens.
Step 9: Serve
Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top! Enjoy your delicious Zuppa Toscana Soup!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that warms the soul. Serving it with the right accompaniments can enhance its flavor and make your meal even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Italian Bread – A slice of crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread – The savory taste of garlic bread complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Topped with Parmesan
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top to add a rich, nutty flavor.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Mixed Greens Salad – A light mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Served in a Bread Bowl
How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana Soup
Creating the perfect Zuppa Toscana Soup involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the soup’s flavor significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of red chili flakes according to your taste.
- Simmer for Flavor – Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- Choose Quality Sausage – Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for a more authentic taste.
- Experiment with Greens – Feel free to swap kale with spinach or Swiss chard depending on availability.
Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana Soup
Pairing side dishes with Zuppa Toscana Soup can turn your meal into a delightful feast. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery knots tossed in garlic and herbs are perfect for sopping up soup.
- Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add freshness.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil offers a crunchy texture contrast.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that complements the soup well.
- Antipasto Platter – A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives create a delightful starter.
- Cheesy Flatbreads – Warm flatbreads topped with cheese are great for dipping into the creamy broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Zuppa Toscana Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong sausage: Selecting a sausage that’s not Italian can alter the flavor profile. Stick with mild or hot Italian sausage for the authentic taste.
- Not cooking the bacon properly: If the bacon isn’t crispy, it won’t add the desired texture. Cook it until crispy before adding to the soup.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy. Aim for fork-tender potatoes to maintain their shape and bite.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting herbs and spices can lead to bland soup. Ensure you measure and add seasonings as specified for maximum flavor.
- Not letting it simmer enough: Rushing through the simmering step can result in less depth of flavor. Allow time for all ingredients to meld together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
Freezing Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Zuppa Toscana Soup.
What is Zuppa Toscana Soup?
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a creamy Italian soup made with sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale. It’s well-loved for its hearty and comforting flavors.
How do I make Zuppa Toscana Soup healthier?
To make Zuppa Toscana Soup healthier, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork or substituting half-and-half with low-fat milk.
Can I customize my Zuppa Toscana Soup?
Yes! You can add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini or use different greens such as spinach or Swiss chard depending on your preference.
How long does it take to make Zuppa Toscana Soup?
The total time for making Zuppa Toscana Soup is about 1 hour, including preparation and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Zuppa Toscana Soup offers a wonderful combination of flavors that warms you up from the inside out. Its versatility allows you to tailor it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. We encourage you to try this comforting dish and enjoy every spoonful!
Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Zuppa Toscana Soup is the perfect comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This creamy Italian soup combines spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale in a rich broth. Ideal for chilly nights or festive gatherings, each bowl is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will impress family and friends alike. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this dish allows for customization with your favorite vegetables or greens, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this hearty soup!
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup diced bacon
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 small Russet potatoes, sliced
- 3 cups chopped kale
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a heavy-based pot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned. Drain excess oil and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and leave some drippings in the pot.
- Add butter and onions; sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour and stir for two minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth along with crushed bouillon and seasonings; bring to a boil.
- Add sliced potatoes; cook until fork-tender (about 10 minutes).
- Lower heat, stir in cream, sausage, bacon, and kale; simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
