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Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana Recipe

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This Zuppa Toscana recipe brings a heartwarming bowl of creamy, savory soup that’s adaptable to your preferences. Packed with potatoes, Italian sausage, kale, and mushrooms, this dish is both comforting and nutritious. The addition of heavy cream ensures a luscious, velvety texture that will make this soup a family favorite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 5–6 gold or 3–4 russet, sliced and halved
  • 2 cans great northern beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 16 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2–3 cups chopped kale (stalks removed)
  • 1 large sweet onion, diced
  • 1 lb ground hot Italian sausage
  • 64 oz chicken broth
  • 16 oz heavy cream

Seasonings and Add-Ons

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2–3 tbsp flour
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • Fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper
  • Optional: Parmesan rind, cheese topping, corn, carrots, or cabbage

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

  1. In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until crispy.
  2. Add fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning while cooking.
  3. Remove the sausage from the pot, leaving behind the grease and flavorful bits.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Make the Roux

  1. Add butter to the pot, scraping up the sausage bits to deglaze the pan.
  2. Add diced onions and sauté until caramelized. For deeper flavor, cover the pot and stir occasionally, adding a splash of water if needed.
  3. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to create a roux. Add rosemary, Italian seasoning, and more salt as desired. Cook the roux until it reaches a tan color.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and add about 16 oz of water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  2. Add the sliced potatoes, mushrooms, and beans.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

  1. Season with garlic powder, thyme, pepper, and oregano. Taste and adjust seasonings frequently.
  2. Let the soup simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the potatoes and mushrooms to cook and the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Kale and Sausage

  1. Add several handfuls of chopped kale, stirring until it wilts. Remove thick stalks for better texture.
  2. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine.
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Step 6: Finish with Cream

  1. Once the kale is tender, stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through without boiling.
  2. For extra depth, toss in a parmesan rind while simmering.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

  1. Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
  2. Vegetarian: Swap sausage for plant-based sausage or omit it entirely, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  3. Low-Carb: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips for a keto-friendly option.

Variations

  1. Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, corn, or shredded cabbage for more nutrients.
  2. Spicy Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage and top with extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
  3. Cheesy Zuppa: Stir in shredded parmesan or mozzarella before serving for a gooey texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Zuppa Toscana stores well. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens.

2. Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, but for best results, freeze without the heavy cream. Add the cream when reheating to maintain the soup’s texture. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.

3. What other greens can I use?

Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens can replace kale. Add them toward the end of cooking as they cook quickly.

4. Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?

Yes! If using ground beef, enhance the flavor by adding fennel seeds and Italian seasoning.

Tips for Success

  1. Season Gradually: Add seasonings throughout cooking to build layers of flavor.
  2. Taste Frequently: Constant tasting ensures perfect seasoning.
  3. Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream to achieve your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~400-450
  • Protein: ~20g
  • Carbs: ~30g
  • Fat: ~25g

Conclusion

This Zuppa Toscana is a hearty, versatile soup perfect for cold nights or meal prepping. Its creamy base and savory mix of sausage, potatoes, and kale make it endlessly customizable. Serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a delicious, soul-warming meal!

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