Zuppa Toscana

 March 30, 2025

Zuppa Toscana is a delightful and hearty Italian soup that has captured the hearts of many, including mine. This recipe is absolutely one of my favorites!! This comforting dish combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale (DO NOT skip this!!) in a rich, creamy broth that warms both the body and soul. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a satisfying meal any time of year, Zuppa Toscana is not just a soup; it’s an experience that brings people together around the table. With its robust flavors and simple ingredients, this beloved recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen as well! Again, DO NOT skip the Kale!

Here’s What You’ll Need:

  • 2large russet baking potatoes, wash, sliced in half, and then in 1/4-inch slices
  • 1large Vidalia onion, chopped
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (I sometimes cheat and use the real bacon pieces in the jar.)
  • 1⁄2teaspoon salt
  • 1⁄4teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or 1 tablespoon of minced garlic from jar
  • 2 cups packed in measuring cup kale or 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped (To each their own but, Kale is always my choice.)
  • 2 (8 ounce) cans chicken broth, add i envelope of chicken bouillon for extra flavor
  • 1cup heavy whipping cream (tempered)

Directions:

  • Chop or slice uncooked sausage into small pieces and cook until browned and meat is ground in bottom of your soup pan over med-high heat.
  • Add onions, garlic, salt and pepper, to Sausage and cook until onions are clear, and aromatics of the seasonings blend together.
  • Reduce heat back to medium and place, potatoes, in the pot. and slowly add the Chicken Stock and water and stir. (use Chicken Bouillon envelope for extra flavor is Chicken Stock is weak).
  • Cook on medium heat until potatoes are done and stir occasionally.
  • Once potatoes are done, reduce heat to lowest setting and sprinkle in your kale and cooked bacon (or fully cooked bacon pieces) and slowly pour cream while stirring.
  • Check for taste and then serve. Easy Peasy!

Note: This soup is best paired with a nice salad and toasted sour dough bread, but any bread will do. You do you boo! Enjoy