Name: Zuppa Toscana
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage (spicy recommended); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium white onion, diced; 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced; 5-6 cups chicken stock; 2-3 cups chopped fresh kale; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste; 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled

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This Zuppa Toscana brings the authentic flavors of a classic Italian soup right to your kitchen. The rich, creamy broth combined with spicy Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale creates a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any chilly evening. The crumbled bacon adds the perfect salty crunch on top. Whether you’re recreating your favorite Olive Garden meal or trying something new, this soup is easy to make, gluten-free, and bursting with zesty Italian flavors. It’s ideal for cozy dinners or family gatherings, offering a delicious blend of textures and tastes that everyone will enjoy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound ground Italian sausage (spicy recommended)
3 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium white onion, diced
1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
5-6 cups chicken stock

2-3 cups chopped fresh kale
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste

6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:

In a large stockpot, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Break it into small pieces as it cooks.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving 1 tablespoon of grease in the pot (or substitute with olive oil). Discard the remaining grease.

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the diced potatoes, chicken stock, and cooked sausage back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Stir in the chopped kale and heavy whipping cream, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with crumbled bacon.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Zuppa Toscana – A Classic Italian Soup for the Soul

Zuppa Toscana, which translates to “Tuscan Soup,” is a beloved dish that has gained significant popularity across the globe, particularly thanks to its association with Olive Garden restaurants. This hearty and comforting soup combines the bold flavors of Italian sausage, creamy broth, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, making it a favorite for those seeking a rich, satisfying meal, especially during the colder months. What’s truly wonderful about Zuppa Toscana is that it brings together simple, wholesome ingredients into a flavorful and elegant dish that feels both rustic and gourmet at the same time.

The Origins of Zuppa Toscana

As its name suggests, Zuppa Toscana has roots in the Tuscany region of Italy. Tuscany is known for its simple yet delicious cuisine, which often focuses on making the most of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Dishes from this region are known for their balance of flavors and hearty compositions, and Zuppa Toscana is no exception.

Although the version of Zuppa Toscana made famous by Olive Garden has become iconic, the soup itself has been a part of Tuscan culinary tradition for centuries. The traditional Tuscan version, however, is often much simpler, usually consisting of vegetables like kale and potatoes, along with beans or bread, to create a nourishing meal. Italian sausage, bacon, and cream were later additions that have turned the dish into the rich, creamy soup we know and love today. These additions were likely adapted to suit American tastes when the dish was introduced to broader audiences.

A Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

One of the key reasons Zuppa Toscana is such a crowd-pleaser is the perfect balance of flavors and textures it offers in every bite. The savory and slightly spicy Italian sausage forms the base of the soup, infusing it with a deep, zesty flavor. The potatoes provide a soft, tender texture that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream, while the kale adds a refreshing, slightly bitter bite that contrasts perfectly with the heaviness of the other ingredients.

Another layer of flavor comes from the bacon, which is crumbled on top just before serving. The bacon adds a crispy, smoky element that enhances the overall taste of the soup, bringing in a satisfying crunch with each bite. The combination of these flavors creates a soup that is both rich and refreshing, hearty but not overwhelming.

Nutritional Benefits of Zuppa Toscana

While Zuppa Toscana is undoubtedly a comfort food, it’s also worth noting that many of the ingredients used in this soup are packed with nutritional benefits. Kale, often considered a superfood, is one of the healthiest vegetables you can incorporate into your diet. It’s loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

Potatoes, another staple ingredient in the soup, are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. They also provide dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Combined with the protein from the Italian sausage and the healthy fats from the cream, Zuppa Toscana can be a surprisingly well-rounded meal that provides a good mix of nutrients.

Variations of Zuppa Toscana

One of the great things about Zuppa Toscana is its versatility. While the classic combination of sausage, potatoes, kale, and cream is delicious as is, there are several variations you can try to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

For a lighter version of the soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. This will reduce the calorie content of the dish without sacrificing too much of the creaminess.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, the sausage can easily be replaced with plant-based sausage alternatives, or you can omit it altogether and add cannellini beans for protein. The bacon can be swapped for vegan bacon or crispy fried shallots to retain that savory crunch on top.

Some versions of Zuppa Toscana also include white beans, which add an extra layer of creaminess and heartiness to the soup. You can experiment with adding other vegetables as well, such as carrots, celery, or even butternut squash, to bring in additional flavors and nutrients.

For those who enjoy a little heat, using a spicy Italian sausage gives the soup an added kick that pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy broth. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can opt for a mild sausage instead, or reduce the amount of pepper used in the recipe.

Cooking Methods

Zuppa Toscana is traditionally made on the stovetop, where the ingredients simmer together to create a beautifully balanced dish. However, the soup is incredibly adaptable to other cooking methods as well, such as using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot.

For busy weeknights, a slow cooker is a fantastic option. You can cook the sausage and prepare the ingredients in advance, then simply combine everything in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for several hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a soup that’s even more flavorful by dinnertime.

If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is a game-changer. The pressure cooker allows you to prepare the soup in a fraction of the time, without compromising on flavor or texture. It’s ideal for those last-minute dinner plans when you still want something homemade and comforting.

Perfect Pairings

Zuppa Toscana pairs beautifully with a wide variety of side dishes, making it a versatile option for any meal. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a great way to balance the richness of the soup with something fresh and light.

If you’re looking to keep things hearty, a warm loaf of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is the perfect companion for soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth. For a more traditional pairing, serve the soup alongside a glass of crisp white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in these wines helps cut through the richness of the soup, creating a perfectly balanced meal.

Conclusion:

Zuppa Toscana is much more than just a soup; it’s a reflection of the simplicity and warmth of Tuscan cuisine. With its combination of hearty ingredients, rich flavors, and nourishing qualities, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite in homes and restaurants alike. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or as a comforting dish for guests, Zuppa Toscana is guaranteed to be a hit.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—you can customize it to suit your taste, dietary preferences, and even cooking method. From the zesty Italian sausage to the nutritious kale and creamy broth, every component of this dish comes together to create a meal that’s not only comforting but also satisfying and wholesome.