If you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal, you should definitely try your hand at making Italian Sausage Potato Soup. This delicious soup is bursting with flavor and aromatic ingredients, like spicy Italian sausage, onions, and garlic, that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
But what really makes this soup satisfying and nourishing are the sliced potatoes and chopped kale. This healthy addition provides a nice balance to the richness of the soup, both in terms of taste and texture. And if you’re looking for something a little extra indulgent, you can always add some heavy cream to make the soup even creamier.
One great thing about this recipe is that it’s really versatile. You can customize the spiciness to your liking with the optional red pepper flakes, or you can leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder soup. No matter how you choose to garnish it, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Another great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to follow. Even beginners in the kitchen can prepare and serve this soup with no trouble, thanks to the straightforward instructions. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this soup is a great choice.
So if you’re a fan of soups, potatoes, or Italian sausage, you definitely need to give this recipe a try. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that will quickly become a staple in your recipe book.
Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (453.6 g) italian sausage
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups (953.6 g) chicken broth
- 3 cups (203.9 g) kale chopped
- 3 large potatoes sliced
- 1 cup (241.4 g) heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Brown Italian sausage in pot
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, stir for 2-3 minutes
- Add chicken broth and sliced potatoes, bring to boil
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender
- Add chopped kale, cook for 5 minutes
- Stir in heavy cream, add salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving
Notes
2. Chopping the onion and mincing the garlic will ensure even cooking and distribution of flavor.
3. Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste.
4. Slicing the potatoes thinly will decrease cooking time.
5. Simmer the potatoes until tender for a creamy texture.
6. Only add kale in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
7. Use heavy cream for a velvety finish.
8. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference.
9. Add red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired.
10. Stir the soup intermittently throughout the cooking process to prevent sticking or scorching.
11. Serve hot with bread or croutons.
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Storage Tips
This recipe typically lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To store leftovers in the fridge, allow the soup to cool down and transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the fridge as soon as possible to prevent bacteria growth.
To freeze, allow the soup to cool down to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
To defrost, transfer the soup from the freezer to the fridge the night before you are planning to reheat it. Alternatively, you can place the frozen soup in a pot or microwave-safe dish and defrost it on a low heat setting. Once defrosted, reheat the soup on the stovetop, adding additional chicken broth or water as needed until it reaches your desired consistency.
When storing, freezing or reheating leftovers, it’s important to always use clean utensils and containers to avoid contamination.
Recipe Variations
1. Vegetarian Zuppa Toscana: substitute the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms and zucchini, for extra flavor.
2. Creamy Zuppa Toscana: add a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup or heavy cream to the recipe to create a richer and creamier soup.
3. Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana: use an Instant Pot to cook the soup, making it faster and easier to create a delicious and hearty meal.
4. Keto Zuppa Toscana: omit the potatoes and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and add more low-carb vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.
5. Crockpot Zuppa Toscana: use a slow cooker to create a flavorful and comforting soup that you can let cook all day.
6. Gluten-Free Zuppa Toscana: substitute the wheat-based pasta for gluten-free pasta or rice, and make sure that all ingredients are gluten-free.
Each variation adds a unique twist to the classic Zuppa Toscana Soup, creating a delicious and customizable meal for any dietary preference or cooking method.
What To Serve With
– Breadsticks or garlic bread
– Caesar salad or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette
– Parmesan roasted broccoli or green beans
– Italian antipasto platter with meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables
– Tomato basil bruschetta or crostini
– Tiramisu or panna cotta for dessert
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