Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. This hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage, fresh kale, and creamy potatoes, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Its rich taste and simple preparation make it a favorite among home cooks and a great option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sausage, bacon, and cream creates a deliciously rich and satisfying broth.
- Versatile Dish: This soup can be served as an appetizer or a main course, making it suitable for any meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables like kale and potatoes, it’s both comforting and nourishing.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this dish will impress your guests with its delightful taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stockpot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and easy stirring of ingredients.
- Slotted spoon: This tool helps you transfer cooked sausage without extra grease, keeping your soup light.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (diced)
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 6 pieces bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups chopped fresh kale
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium white onion (peeled and diced)
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
How to Make Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until it is browned and fully cooked. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
Step 2: Reserve the Grease
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the grease in the pot for later use, discarding the excess grease.
Step 3: Sauté Onions
Add onions to the stockpot with the reserved grease. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Once the onions are ready, add minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for another minute while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add diced potatoes, chicken stock, and cooked sausage back into the pot. Bring everything to a simmer.
Step 6: Simmer Potatoes
Reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 7: Stir in Kale and Cream
Stir in chopped kale and heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve your Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup warm, garnished with crumbled bacon bits on top.
Enjoy your delicious homemade soup that’s sure to satisfy!
How to Serve Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup
Serving Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this creamy, hearty soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Loaf: A slice of freshly baked sourdough bread pairs perfectly with the soup’s richness.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds a savory crunch that complements the flavors of the soup.
As a Meal Starter
- Small Bowls: Serve in small bowls before the main course for a warm, inviting start to dinner.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top each bowl with fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic touch.
With Salads
- Caesar Salad: The crispness of romaine and crunchy croutons balance the creamy soup.
- Greek Salad: Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Zuppa Toscana.
For a Cozy Night In
- With Wine: Pairing with a glass of white wine enhances the flavors and makes for a perfect cozy evening.
- Movie Night Combo: Serve alongside popcorn or chips for a relaxed night in with family or friends.
How to Perfect Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup
To achieve the best version of Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- sausage choice: Use high-quality Italian sausage for robust flavor.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Opt for fresh kale and vegetables for better taste and nutrition.
- Adjust creaminess: Modify the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for richness.
- Season gradually: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking to enhance flavors effectively.
- Let it sit: Allowing the soup to rest after cooking helps meld all the delicious flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Parmesan Knots: Soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese are irresistible.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a fresh side that complements the soup beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds texture and nutrition to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms stuffed with cheese and herbs provide an elegant touch.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables offer guests an assortment of bites.
- Cheesy Garlic Rice: Creamy, cheesy rice is a comforting addition that pairs well with the rich soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup, it’s important to be mindful of certain common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the sausage browning: Not browning the sausage properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Always cook it until it’s nicely browned for the best taste.
- Neglecting to season: Failing to add salt and pepper throughout the cooking process can result in bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Overcooking the kale: Cooking kale for too long can make it tough and lose its vibrant color. Add it towards the end to keep it fresh and tender.
- Using low-quality broth: Cheap chicken stock can dull your soup’s flavor. Opt for high-quality or homemade chicken stock for a richer taste.
- Ignoring potato sizes: Cutting potatoes in uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Dice them uniformly so they all cook evenly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date for easy tracking.
Reheating Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup:
Can I make Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
How do I customize Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or switch out kale with spinach or Swiss chard for different flavors.
Is Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup healthy?
This soup is hearty but can be made healthier by using lean turkey sausage and reducing cream. It’s packed with nutrients from vegetables too!
What do I serve with Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup?
Pair this delicious soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving it on a cold night or looking for a quick dinner solution, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Don’t hesitate to try different add-ins or spice levels to make it your own!
Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup
Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup is the ultimate comfort food that transports you to Italy with every spoonful. This creamy, flavorful soup features savory Italian sausage, fresh kale, and tender Yukon Gold potatoes, all simmered in a rich chicken stock. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this hearty dish is quick to prepare and satisfies even the pickiest eaters. With its delightful balance of flavors and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a household favorite. Enjoy a warm bowl of Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup any night of the week!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (diced)
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 6 pieces bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups chopped fresh kale
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 medium white onion (peeled and diced)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, reserving 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot.
- Sauté diced onions in the reserved grease for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Stir in diced potatoes, chicken stock, and cooked sausage; bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Mix in chopped kale and heavy cream; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with crumbled bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
