Zuppa Toscana

American-Italian Recipe

Ingredients

- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 450g Italian sausage, hot variety
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
- 4 cups water
- 4 medium russet potatoes, sliced
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the Bacon (5-7 minutes)

In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, and drain excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.

2. Cook the Sausage (5 minutes)

Add the Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic (6 minutes)

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for approximately 5 minutes, until it softens and turns golden. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Add Broth and Potatoes (14 minutes)

Pour in the chicken broth and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 13-14 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork.

5. Add Kale and Sausage (5 minutes)

When the potatoes are nearly tender, add the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

6. Finish with Cream and Seasoning (2-3 minutes)

Stir in the heavy whipping cream and bring the soup to a boil again. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Serve

Remove the pot from heat and garnish each serving with the reserved bacon and optional grated Parmesan cheese.

Story

Zuppa Toscana is an American-Italian creation inspired by traditional Tuscan flavors, known for its combination of Italian sausage, bacon, kale, and potatoes. The addition of kale enhances the soup's nutritional value, providing a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. This version brings the flavors of Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana to your own kitchen.