Homemade Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Zuppa Toscana, a popular Italian soup often found at Olive Garden, is a creamy and savory delight filled with hearty ingredients. The rich combination of sausage, potatoes, kale, and bacon in a creamy broth makes it a favorite for many. This homemade version is easy to prepare, delicious, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to making this classic soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to your preference)
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium Russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups kale, chopped (or substitute with spinach)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sausage and Bacon
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it up into small chunks with a wooden spoon as it cooks, and let it brown thoroughly. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Once the sausage is cooked through and browned, remove it from the pot using a slotted spoon, leaving the grease behind for extra flavor. Set the sausage aside in a bowl.
- In the same pot, add the diced bacon. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Using the remaining bacon fat in the pot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Add Potatoes, Broth, and Water
- Once the onions and garlic are cooked, add the thinly sliced potatoes to the pot. Stir them around to coat them with the flavors of the onion and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, ensuring that the potatoes are fully submerged. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Add Kale and Sausage
- After the potatoes have softened, add the chopped kale (or spinach) to the pot. Stir to combine and allow the kale to wilt, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked sausage back into the soup, stirring everything together. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Finish with Cream
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, being careful not to bring it to a full boil after adding the cream. This step gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the Zuppa Toscana into bowls and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits on top for added texture and flavor.
- For an extra touch, grate fresh Parmesan cheese over each serving.
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the flavorful broth.
Tips for the Perfect Zuppa Toscana:
- Sausage Selection: Using spicy Italian sausage gives the soup a nice kick, but if you prefer a milder taste, use sweet or mild sausage. You can also mix the two for a balanced flavor.
- Potato Type: Russet potatoes work well in this recipe because they hold their shape after cooking and become tender, but Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for a creamier texture.
- Kale Substitutes: While kale is traditional in this recipe, you can substitute spinach for a milder flavor and softer texture. If using spinach, add it towards the very end since it wilts much faster than kale.
- Cream Substitutes: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that the soup will be less rich but still delicious.
- Storage: Zuppa Toscana can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup tends to thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a bit more broth or water when reheating it. It’s not recommended to freeze this soup because the potatoes and cream may change texture when thawed.
Serving Suggestions:
Zuppa Toscana is best served with fresh, warm bread for dipping into the creamy broth. Pair it with a light salad for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as a comforting lunch or dinner. If you’re hosting a dinner party, this soup can be a perfect starter, followed by a hearty Italian main dish like lasagna or pasta.
This homemade Zuppa Toscana recipe brings the beloved flavors of a restaurant classic into your kitchen. The combination of savory sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and hearty kale in a creamy broth is truly comforting. Enjoy this recipe for a cozy meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
