Zuppa Toscana Soup

Instructions for Making Zuppa Toscana Soup

1. Cook the Sausage

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon) and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. If you’re using spicy sausage, you’ll get a nice kick of flavor here. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.

3. Add Broth and Potatoes

Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add the chicken broth to the pot, followed by the thinly sliced potatoes. Bring the broth to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The potatoes will thicken the soup slightly, creating a comforting texture.

4. Add the Sausage Back In

Once the potatoes are tender, return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.

5. Add Kale and Cream

Next, stir in the chopped kale and continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the kale wilts and becomes tender. Then, pour in the heavy cream (and whole milk if using), and stir to combine. The cream will add richness and creaminess to the broth, making it velvety smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice).

6. Simmer and Taste

Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer on low for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping, and you have a meal that is both satisfying and comforting.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavorful and Hearty: The sausage is the star of the show in Zuppa Toscana. It adds savory depth and a bit of spice (if using spicy sausage), which contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth and tender vegetables. The potatoes provide a hearty texture, while the kale adds color and nutrients.
• Creamy without Being Overly Rich: The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth gives the soup a creamy texture, without being overly heavy. The addition of milk (optional) can lighten it up a bit, making it a flexible recipe for different dietary preferences.
• Simple and Quick: Despite its rich flavors, Zuppa Toscana is easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It doesn’t require hours of simmering or complicated techniques, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal.
• Customizable: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer a vegetarian version? Skip the sausage and opt for a plant-based substitute. You can also add extra vegetables like carrots or parsnips for added variety.

Tips and Variations

• Use Kale or Spinach: While traditional Zuppa Toscana uses kale, you can also swap it out for spinach if you prefer a milder green or don’t have kale on hand. Kale, however, holds up better to long cooking and won’t wilt as quickly, making it ideal for soups.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, be sure to use spicy Italian sausage, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. If you want it milder, stick with sweet Italian sausage.
• Add More Veggies: While potatoes and kale are the classic vegetables in this soup, feel free to add more vegetables for extra texture and flavor. Carrots, parsnips, or even mushrooms can work well in this dish.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, simply replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or skip it altogether and use beans for protein. Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
• Make Ahead: Zuppa Toscana can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, like many soups, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop. To reheat, simply warm it up over low heat, adding a little more broth if needed to loosen it up.
• Freezing Tips: While the soup can be frozen, the dairy (cream and milk) may separate slightly when reheated. To combat this, you can freeze the soup without the cream, then stir it in once it’s reheated for a smoother texture.

Conclusion

Zuppa Toscana Soup is the ultimate comfort food—a rich, creamy soup that’s packed with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale. With its balance of flavors and satisfying ingredients, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; it’s easy to make with everyday ingredients yet feels indulgent and hearty with every spoonful.

Whether you’re craving a warm bowl on a cold evening or looking for a dish to impress at your next gathering, Zuppa Toscana never disappoints. Its comforting nature and bold flavors make it a meal that will leave everyone coming back for more. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a hearty bowl of Italian-inspired goodness!