Description
A rich and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring savory Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender russet potatoes, and vibrant kale in a creamy broth. This Copycat Zuppa Toscana recipe delivers hearty flavors perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Fat
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 3 cups kale, chopped
Liquids and Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Cook bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Brown sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the pot with the bacon fat and brown it, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks until fully cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add potatoes and liquids: Stir in the thinly sliced russet potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Finish with cream and kale: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the kale has wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Season and serve: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Serve topped with the reserved crispy bacon.
Notes
- Russet potatoes create a creamy texture as they cook down, enhancing the soup’s richness.
- For a lighter green alternative, substitute kale with fresh spinach.
- Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage and by adding red pepper flakes to preference.
- To reduce fat, skim some bacon fat after cooking or use turkey sausage as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
