Zuppa Toscana Soup
This Zuppa Toscana Soup is a comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. With spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and healthy kale all simmered in a creamy broth, this soup stands out for its warmth and depth of flavor. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe will soon become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This Zuppa Toscana Soup comes together quickly and requires minimal cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sausage, bacon, and fresh herbs creates a deep and satisfying taste that warms the soul.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this soup by adding other vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your palate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this soup is sure to impress your guests.
- Comforting & Filling: With hearty ingredients like potatoes and cream, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy-based pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy-based pot or Dutch oven: This tool ensures even heat distribution, which is key for simmering soups perfectly.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot while breaking up meat easily during cooking.
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:
1. Drain off most of the oil but leave roughly 1 teaspoon of drippings in the pot.
2. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In the same pot/Dutch oven:
1. Cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 2 minutes.
2. Drain the pot but reserve around 1-2 teaspoons of bacon drippings.
3. Transfer cooked bacon to the plate with the sausage.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add reserved drippings and butter to the soup pot:
1. Add finely chopped onions.
2. Cook over medium heat until they soften (about 5 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Step 4: Thicken with Flour
Add flour:
1. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until there’s no raw flour smell.
Step 5: Add Broth & Seasonings
Turn up heat to high:
1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2. Season broth with crushed bouillon and add all dry seasonings.
Step 6: Cook Potatoes
Add sliced potatoes:
1. Cook them in boiling broth until fork-tender (about 10 minutes).
Step 7: Finish with Cream & Greens
Lower heat to medium:
1. Stir in heavy cream along with cooked sausage and bacon.
2. Add kale and let it simmer for about two minutes until kale softens.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot in bowls topped with grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to serve this delicious soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve your Zuppa Toscana Soup with slices of crusty bread. This combination allows you to soak up the creamy broth, enhancing your dining experience.
Topped with Cheese
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the soup just before serving. The cheese adds a rich flavor and a lovely presentation that elevates this dish.
Accompanied by Salad
- Pair the soup with a fresh garden salad. A light salad balances the richness of the soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
In a Bread Bowl
- For a fun twist, serve Zuppa Toscana Soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This unique presentation makes it perfect for entertaining guests.
As Part of a Cozy Brunch
- Include Zuppa Toscana Soup as part of a brunch spread. Its hearty nature makes it suitable alongside lighter options like fruit or pastries.
With Garlic Toast
- Enjoy the soup with homemade garlic toast. The crunchy texture complements the creamy soup beautifully and adds extra flavor.
How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana Soup
To make your Zuppa Toscana Soup even better, consider these simple tips to enhance its flavor and texture.
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Choose Quality Sausage: Use high-quality Italian sausage for a richer taste. Fresh or homemade sausage can elevate the overall flavor profile.
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Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half and half with low-fat milk or use more chicken broth. This adjustment keeps it creamy without being too heavy.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or basil at the end of cooking for an aromatic finish that brightens the flavors.
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Experiment with Greens: While kale is traditional, you can swap it for spinach or Swiss chard depending on your preference or availability.
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Control Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of red chili flakes or choose mild sausage, allowing everyone to enjoy this dish without too much heat.
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Let It Rest: Allowing your soup to sit for a while before serving will enhance its flavors as they meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Zuppa Toscana Soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
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Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing provides a crisp contrast to the warm soup.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding an extra layer of flavor with each bite.
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Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer refreshing bites alongside rich soup.
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Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that complements the soup’s creaminess while adding variety to your meal.
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Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and fresh basil gives a zesty touch that pairs wonderfully with Zuppa Toscana Soup.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables provides color and nutritional balance alongside your hearty soup.
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Antipasto Platter: Create an antipasto platter filled with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables for an Italian-inspired feast.
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Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad made with fresh veggies and vinaigrette complements the main dish nicely without overpowering it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Zuppa Toscana Soup can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make common mistakes that affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Sausage: Cooking sausage for too long can make it tough. Aim for a golden brown color and remove it from heat once cooked through.
- Neglecting the Potatoes: If you don’t slice the potatoes evenly, they will cook at different rates. Cut them into uniform 1/4-inch slices for even cooking.
- Skipping the Bouillon: Forgetting to add beef bouillon can lead to a flat flavor. Always remember this key ingredient for depth in your soup.
- Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth is essential in Zuppa Toscana Soup. Use high-quality low-sodium chicken broth for the best taste.
- Not Adjusting Seasonings: Tasting as you go is crucial. Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Ignoring the Kale: Overcooking kale can make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking to keep its vibrant color and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Zuppa Toscana Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Zuppa Toscana Soup.
How do I make Zuppa Toscana Soup vegetarian?
You can replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use frozen kale in Zuppa Toscana Soup?
Yes, frozen kale works well! Just add it directly without thawing; it will soften quickly during cooking.
What goes well with Zuppa Toscana Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
Is Zuppa Toscana Soup healthy?
It offers nutritious ingredients like kale and potatoes, but be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching calories.
How long does Zuppa Toscana Soup take to cook?
The total time is about 60 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings joy with every bite. Its rich flavors make it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Feel free to customize it by adding other veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste!
Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Zuppa Toscana Soup is a delightful and hearty Italian dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Bursting with rich flavors, this creamy soup features spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, Zuppa Toscana is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will soon become a favorite in your home. The best part? It’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup diced bacon
- 1 large onion
- 6 cloves garlic
- 4–5 small Russet potatoes
- 3 cups chopped kale
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- salt
- pepper
- mustard powder
- dried oregano
- red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a heavy-based pot, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In the same pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions in the remaining drippings until soft; add minced garlic.
- Stir in flour to thicken for about 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and seasonings; bring to a boil.
- Add sliced potatoes; cook until tender.
- Stir in cream, cooked sausage, bacon, and kale; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
