Zuppa Toscana Soup

This Zuppa Toscana Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. With its rich flavors from spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and healthy kale, this soup offers a delightful blend of taste and nourishment. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes with its creamy broth and hearty ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of Italian sausage and bacon creates a savory depth that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite greens or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!
• Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is sure to satisfy everyone at your table—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Zuppa Toscana Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-based pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-based pot or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution, which is crucial for simmering soups perfectly.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot while breaking up meat easily.
• Chef’s knife: Makes chopping vegetables quick and effortless.

Ingredients

This Zuppa Toscana Soup features spicy Italian sausage, crisp bacon, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale, all simmered in a creamy broth. A perfect blend of taste and comfort in every bowl!

Ingredients:
– 1 pound mild Italian Sausage (hot or mild)
– 1/2 cup diced bacon
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 large onion (finely chopped)
– 6 cloves garlic (minced)
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 cube beef bouillon (crushed)
– 4-5 small Russet potatoes (about 1 pound, rinsed and sliced into 1/4-inch slices)
– 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
– 3 cups chopped kale, hard stems removed (substitute with baby spinach leaves or Swiss chard)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
– 1 teaspoon EACH: mustard powder, dried parsley, ground fennel
– ½ teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, dried basil
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, adjust to your taste)
– Grated Parmesan

How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a heavy-based pot or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. After about 10 minutes, when the sausage is browned and fully cooked, drain off most of the oil but leave roughly 1 teaspoon of drippings in the pot. Then transfer the cooked sausage to a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In the same pot/Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 2 minutes. After cooking, drain most of the fat from the pot but reserve around 1–2 teaspoons of bacon drippings. Transfer to the plate with the cooked sausage.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add reserved drippings and butter back into the soup pot along with chopped onions. Cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Add Flour

Sprinkle flour over onion mixture while stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until there’s no raw flour smell.

Step 5: Pour in Broth

Turn up heat to high. Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a boil while seasoning with crushed bouillon and adding all seasonings.

Step 6: Cook Potatoes

Add sliced potatoes into boiling broth. Cook them until fork-tender, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Lower heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream along with cooked sausage and bacon followed by chopped kale. Allow mixture to simmer for an additional two minutes until kale has softened.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot with grated Parmesan on top if desired. Enjoy your delicious Zuppa Toscana Soup!

How to Serve Zuppa Toscana Soup

Serving Zuppa Toscana Soup can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Here are some delightful ways to serve this comforting dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy broth perfectly.

Topped with Grated Parmesan

• Sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan on top before serving. This adds a rich flavor that complements the soup beautifully.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad. The crispness of the greens balances the richness of the soup.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve Zuppa Toscana Soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It’s both delicious and eye-catching!

With Garlic Knots

• Add some garlic knots on the side. Their buttery, garlicky goodness pairs wonderfully with each hearty spoonful of soup.

Finished with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor and color.

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How to Perfect Zuppa Toscana Soup

To make your Zuppa Toscana Soup even more delicious, follow these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality sausage. This enhances both flavor and nutrition.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier soup, add more red chili flakes or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.

• Simmer Longer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors. Just be mindful not to overcook the potatoes.

• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute half and half with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk, but it may alter the creaminess.

• Add More Greens: Feel free to throw in additional greens like spinach or Swiss chard along with kale for added nutrients and texture.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Zuppa Toscana Soup

Complementing Zuppa Toscana Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for scooping up every bit of that creamy broth.

2. Caesar Salad: The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a delightful contrast to the warm soup.

3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil adds freshness that pairs nicely with the soup’s richness.

4. Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites are filled with cheese and herbs, making them an excellent appetizer alongside your main dish.

5. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil on skewers offer a refreshing side that’s easy to prepare.

6. Cornbread: Moist and slightly sweet cornbread is another great complement that pairs well with the savory flavors of the soup.

7. Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables creates variety and is great for sharing.

8. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition while enhancing your meal’s overall presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Zuppa Toscana Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious.

• Using the wrong sausage: Choosing a type of sausage that isn’t Italian can alter the flavor profile. Stick with mild or hot Italian sausage for the best taste.
• Neglecting to drain excess fat: Leaving too much fat from the sausage or bacon can make your soup greasy. Drain off excess fat while cooking to keep it light and flavorful.
• Overcooking the potatoes: Cooking the potatoes for too long can cause them to become mushy. Check for doneness around 10 minutes and remove them when fork-tender.
• Forgetting seasonings: Without proper seasoning, your soup can taste bland. Make sure to add all spices and herbs listed in the recipe for a well-balanced flavor.
• Skipping the simmering step: Not allowing the soup to simmer after adding cream and kale can prevent flavors from melding. Let it simmer for at least 2 minutes for optimal taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Zuppa Toscana Soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Zuppa Toscana Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps maintain the soup’s consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Zuppa Toscana Soup that might help you on your cooking journey.

How do I make Zuppa Toscana Soup healthier?

You can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage and substitute cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative.

Can I make Zuppa Toscana Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What is traditionally served with Zuppa Toscana Soup?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, bringing out its comforting flavors.

How long does Zuppa Toscana Soup last?

When stored properly, this soup lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 2-3 months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

Zuppa Toscana Soup is not just comforting but also versatile. You can easily tweak ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try adding different vegetables or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste, making this dish uniquely yours!