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The Best Zuppa Toscana Recipe A Taste Of Italian Comfort is showcased as a delicious and inviting featured image.

Ultimate Zuppa Toscana

This Zuppa Toscana recipe delivers a taste of Italian comfort with its creamy broth, spicy sausage, and tender potatoes. Mastering key techniques like browning the sausage for a rich fond and carefully adding the cream ensures a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot, or a mix
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 4 cups chopped kale Tuscan or curly
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Olive oil drizzle for garnish
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese sprinkle for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or stockpot
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside.
  3. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Add the sliced potatoes and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
  7. Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
  8. Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the heavy cream. Do not boil.
  9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional).

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. To prevent the cream from curdling, temper it by gradually adding a spoonful of hot broth to the cream before adding it to the soup. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. The soup may thicken upon refrigeration; add a little broth or water to reach desired consistency.