Cozy Up with Creamy Tuscan Sausage Soup
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Cozy Up to Creamy Tuscan Sausage Soup!
Fancy a bit of Tuscany without the pricey plane ticket? Ever wondered how to make the creamy, dreamy Zuppa Toscana you get at Olive Garden? Well, you're in for a treat! This Zuppa Toscana Recipe is your passport to flavour town.
What's the story with Zuppa Toscana?
This soul warming soup hails from Tuscany, Italy. It’s traditionally a rustic, peasant style soup, displaying simple, fresh ingredients. Our version is inspired by the Olive Garden’s take on this classic and it is dead easy.
This Easy Zuppa Toscana takes about 45 minutes, start to finish and it makes six generous servings.
Why This Zuppa Toscana Recipe Rocks
Honestly, what’s not to love? This Italian sausage soup hits all the right notes. This Creamy Tuscan soup recipe is packed with flavour, thanks to the savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale.
And let’s not forget that touch of creaminess that elevates it to pure comfort food. We are also talking about serious nutrition, this soup is packed with hearty veggies that will keep you full.
Ready to dive in? Let's gather our ingredients and make some magic.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Right, let's talk ingredients for this amazing Zuppa Toscana . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. You don't need to be a culinary genius to whip this up.
We are aiming for a hearty and satisfying Toscana Soup Recipe , the kind that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I always think of it as the perfect cure for a rainy day a proper Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup dupe, but homemade.
Main Ingredients for the Best Zuppa Toscana Ever!
- Italian Sausage: 1 pound (that's around 450g for you metric folks). Get the good stuff. Sweet or hot, your call, but take the casings off. Honestly, it makes a difference.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. We're talking about 1 cup (or 150g ). Quality indicators are really up to you; just make sure it's not going all manky in your fridge, yeah?
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups (that's 1.4 liters ). Low sodium is your friend here, unless you fancy a salt lick.
- Russet Potatoes: 1 ½ pounds ( 680g ), peeled and cubed. Roughly 3 cups ( 450g ).
- Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon . This Zuppa Toscana Recipe depends on this!
- Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional). If you like a bit of a kick.
- Kale: 1 bunch , stemmed and chopped. About 4 cups ( 100g loosely packed). This is the secret to a proper Kale and potato soup .
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup ( 240ml ). Makes it all lush.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key!
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You!
Get your Italian sausage soup game strong with the Italian seasoning. It's essential! Red pepper flakes? Go wild, or not.
It's up to you. For a real depth of flavour, try adding a bay leaf while it simmers. Just remember to take it out before serving!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
You'll need a large pot or Dutch oven. A wooden spoon or spatula. And a knife and cutting board, obviously.
Don't overthink it. If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large saucepan will do just fine. The key to a great Easy Zuppa Toscana is not fancy equipment, it's good ingredients.
I remember one time trying to make this and realised I was all out of kale and ended up using spinach, it worked just as well! So don't be afraid to experiment and find what works for you to create your ideal Homemade Zuppa Toscana !
Cozy Up with Creamy Tuscan Sausage Soup (Zuppa Toscana, Simplified!)
Honestly, there's nothing like a bowl of Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup on a chilly evening. This recipe brings the taste of Tuscany to your kitchen! It is my simplified take on a comforting classic.
The Zuppa Toscana is packed with flavour. Savoury Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, all in a creamy broth.
Yum! It's quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. This soup will warm you from the inside out.
Prep Steps for Your Zuppa Toscana Masterpiece
First things first: mise en place . I'm talking about chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, cubing the potatoes. Get all ingredients ready.
Trust me. It makes everything so much smoother. Also, remove the sausage casings. No one wants bits of plastic in their soup!
From Zero to Hero: Making Zuppa Toscana step-by-step
Here's how we transform simple ingredients into the best homemade Zuppa Toscana :
- Brown the sausage. Sauté it in a large pot over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon. Drain off that excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened. Usually about 5 minutes . The kitchen will smell amazing!
- Pour in 6 cups chicken broth. Add 1 ½ pounds cubed potatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes .
- Stir in 1 bunch chopped kale. Cook until wilted. It should only take a couple of minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don't boil!
- Serve hot with Parmesan cheese. Optional, but highly recommended!
Zuppa Toscana: Pro Tips for Extra Flavour
Want to take your Toscana Soup Recipe to the next level? Use good quality Italian sausage. It makes a huge difference.
Also, don't be afraid to adjust the spice. Add more red pepper flakes for a bigger kick! And never boil after adding cream, unless you want a curdled mess.
Who wants that?
Let it simmer a bit longer after the potatoes are tender to deepen the flavors. I usually let mine go for another 10- 15 minutes .
This soup is even better the next day. If you make it ahead, it will save time. The flavours meld together beautifully.
So there you have it! My super simple recipe for Easy Zuppa Toscana . Whip this up for your loved ones tonight for an Italian sausage soup .
They'll love you forever! It is a creamy Tuscan soup recipe that you can really enjoy, especially with crusty bread and good company! Don't worry about the kale and potato soup being daunting: it's easier than you think!
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Zuppa Toscana
Alright, so you’re about to whip up some seriously comforting Zuppa Toscana , eh? Brilliant! But before you dive in, let’s chat about a few things.
These little notes will help you nail this Toscana Soup Recipe and make it truly your own. Honestly, this Homemade Zuppa Toscana is so good.
Serving It Up Right: Plating and Presentation
Zuppa Toscana is already pretty rustic, right? So, don’t overthink the plating. A simple, deep bowl is perfect. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and maybe a little drizzle of olive oil.
Crusty bread on the side is a must for dunking. Side of a glass of Italian wine would be awesome, right?
For sides, think simple. A basic green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness of the Italian sausage soup .
Honestly, a nice, crisp salad really cuts through the creaminess.
Storing for Later (If There’s Any Left!)
Okay, so if you actually don't finish every last drop (which is unlikely, tbh), storing Zuppa Toscana is easy peasy.
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely, then bung it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll happily keep for 3-4 days .
- Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! But the texture might change slightly due to the cream. Allow to cool completely, portion into freezer safe containers (leave some room for expansion), and freeze for up to 2 months .
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the hob over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it's a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Don't boil after adding cream! If you're reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first.
Variations: Make It Your Own
Feeling adventurous? Tweak this Zuppa Toscana Recipe to your liking!
- dairy-free Delight: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy, dairy-free Creamy Tuscan soup recipe . It works a treat.
- Spice It Up: If you like it hot, hot, hot, use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Be careful, though. I once added way too much!
Nutrition: The Good Stuff
Let’s be real, we’re not counting every calorie here. But Zuppa Toscana does pack a punch of goodness! You're getting protein from the sausage, vitamins from the kale, and carbs for energy from the potatoes.
And a good dose of comfort! This kale and potato soup is the perfect comfort food, honestly.
Okay, that's it! You're now armed with all the Easy Zuppa Toscana knowledge. Go forth, cook, and enjoy every single spoonful.
And, don't be afraid to experiment that's where the magic happens. You got this! Hope you love Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup .
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Zuppa Toscana, anyway? Is it like something I'd find in Little Italy?
Zuppa Toscana, meaning "Tuscan Soup," is a rustic Italian soup traditionally made with sausage, potatoes, kale, and broth. While variations exist, it’s known for its creamy broth and hearty ingredients.
Our version is a simplified take on this classic, inspired by the popular Olive Garden version, making it easy to recreate that comforting flavour at home.
My Zuppa Toscana doesn't taste quite right. What am I doing wrong?
Often, the key to a flavourful Zuppa Toscana is using good quality Italian sausage. Don't skimp! Also, make sure you're seasoning adequately with salt and pepper, and don't be afraid to add a little extra Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Simmering the soup long enough for the flavors to meld is crucial too - patience is a virtue, as they say!
Can I make Zuppa Toscana ahead of time? How long does it keep, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
Absolutely! Zuppa Toscana is a great make-ahead meal. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Just be aware that the potatoes might absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
I'm trying to cut back on calories. Are there any healthy swaps I can make in this Zuppa Toscana recipe?
Yes, you can lighten up your Zuppa Toscana! Use lean Italian sausage or even turkey sausage to reduce the fat content. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth, and instead of heavy cream, try using half and-half or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Loading up on the kale also boosts the nutritional value without adding many calories.
Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana, and will the texture be weird after thawing?
You can freeze Zuppa Toscana, but the texture of the potatoes might change slightly after thawing, becoming a bit softer. To minimize this, consider slightly undercooking the potatoes initially. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It will be fine for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
I don’t have kale! What's a good substitute for kale in Zuppa Toscana?
If you're fresh out of kale and can't pop to Tesco, don't fret! Spinach is a great substitute for kale in Zuppa Toscana. It cooks even faster than kale, so add it right at the end, just before adding the cream. Collard greens or Swiss chard would also work, but they might need a bit longer to cook than spinach.
Cozy Up With Creamy Tuscan Sausage Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |