Zuppa Toscana is a delicious and satisfying Italian-inspired soup known for its rich flavors, combining hearty sausage, creamy broth, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale. This soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving a comforting meal that’s easy to make yet packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with crusty bread, Zuppa Toscana is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Zuppa Toscana Soup
The key to making this delicious soup lies in its flavor-packed ingredients. From spicy or mild Italian sausage to fresh kale, each component works together to create a balanced and satisfying dish.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or substitute with Worcestershire sauce)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3-4 small russet potatoes, about 1 lb., cleaned and sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 3 cups kale, roughly chopped
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Roughly chopped bacon
How to Make Zuppa Toscana Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a warm and flavorful pot of Zuppa Toscana:
1. Cook the Sausage
In a large soup pot, cook and crumble the Italian sausage over medium heat until it is completely browned and cooked through, which should take about 10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot, reserving 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot. (If your sausage doesn’t produce enough drippings, you can add an additional tablespoon of butter for extra flavor.)
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the reserved drippings and 1 tablespoon of butter to the soup pot. Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté over medium heat until the onion softens, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic, hot sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings (mustard powder, dried parsley, oregano, and basil) and cook for 1 more minute to bring out their flavors.
3. Create the Soup Base
After the aromatics are cooked, add 3 tablespoons of flour to the pot. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and remove its raw taste. This step is crucial for thickening the soup and giving it a silky texture.
4. Add the Broth and Cream
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, adding small amounts at a time while stirring to avoid lumps. Once all the broth is incorporated, add the heavy cream in the same manner. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently.
5. Prepare the Potatoes
While the soup simmers, clean the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and then cut them into 1/4-inch slices. Add the potatoes to the soup along with the cooked sausage, ensuring they are fully submerged in the broth. Simmer the soup for another 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are nearly fork-tender.
6. Add the Kale
Once the potatoes have softened, stir in the chopped kale. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan, chopped bacon, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Serve the soup hot, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Zuppa Toscana
To ensure that your Zuppa Toscana turns out perfect every time, here are a few helpful tips:
- Use quality sausage: The flavor of the sausage is key to the richness of the soup. Opt for a good-quality Italian sausage, and if you enjoy a spicier version, choose the hot variety.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: Be sure to simmer the potatoes until they are just tender, not mushy, to maintain a great texture in the soup.
- Substitute greens if needed: If you don’t have kale on hand, feel free to use spinach or Swiss chard as a substitute. Both work beautifully in this soup.
- Customize the flavor: For a more personalized touch, adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Comfort Soup
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty, comforting soup that’s loaded with flavor. Its creamy broth, paired with the richness of Italian sausage and tender potatoes, is balanced by the freshness of kale and the depth of herbs and spices. This soup is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day.
If you’re looking for a new family favorite that’s easy to make and packed with bold flavors, Zuppa Toscana is the dish for you. Give this recipe a try and serve it with some warm bread for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone around the table!