There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty bowl of soup, especially during those chilly evenings or when you’re in need of some serious comfort food. In the world of soup recipes, Zuppa Toscana stands out as a rich and satisfying favorite. This creamy Italian soup is known for its delightful combination of spicy Italian sausage, tender kale, and hearty potatoes, all bathed in a luxurious, creamy broth. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of making your very own Zuppa Toscana at home. The best part? It’s easier than you might think!
Picture this: a cozy Italian trattoria nestled in the heart of Tuscany, where the rustic charm of the countryside mingles with the enticing aroma of authentic Italian cuisine. The sun dips below the rolling hills, casting a warm, golden hue over the landscape, and inside, laughter and conversation fill the air as people gather around wooden tables, eagerly anticipating a comforting bowl of Zuppa Toscana.
While we may not all have the privilege of dining in the heart of Tuscany, we can certainly bring the flavors of Italy into our homes. Zuppa Toscana, a soul-warming soup that hails from the Tuscan region, encapsulates the essence of Italian comfort food. Its name literally means “Tuscan Soup,” and it’s a beloved classic that has found its way into kitchens around the world.
This soup is a masterful blend of bold and subtle flavors, with the smokiness of bacon, the spicy kick of Italian sausage, the earthiness of kale, and the creamy richness of heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese. It’s a dish that nourishes the soul, bringing warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Zuppa Toscana is of course a popular Olive Garden soup option; and dare I say, this recipe is even better than the restaurant’s!
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup medium yellow onion; about 1 cup, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound hot Italian pork sausage
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 2 cups russet potatoes; peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium lemon, juiced
Instructions:
1. Crisp Up the Bacon: Start by heating a large pot over low-medium heat. Add in the bacon and cook, stirring frequently until the bacon turns crispy. Once done, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel. It’s important to note that you shouldn’t drain the bacon grease from the pot. The flavorful bacon fat will add a fantastic depth of flavor to your soup.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and hot Italian sausage. Cook this mixture until the sausage is cooked through completely, and the onions become translucent. The mingling aromas of sausage, garlic, and onion will have your kitchen smelling divine.
3. Thicken the Soup: Add the cornstarch (you can use arrowroot starch as an alternative) and stir it until it’s well combined into the sausage mixture. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. This step will create the base for your soup, providing a rich and savory broth. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
4. Add the Greens and Potatoes: Stir in the Italian seasoning, followed by the chopped kale and cubed potatoes. The kale will bring a vibrant green color and a hint of bitterness that balances the richness of the soup. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should take approximately 15 minutes.
5. Create Creamy Bliss: Once the potatoes are cooked, it’s time to introduce the creaminess that makes Zuppa Toscana so beloved. Stir in the heavy whipping cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken. This step is where your Zuppa Toscana transforms into a velvety masterpiece.
6. A Citrusy Finish: To add a final layer of complexity and brightness to your soup, squeeze the juice of one medium-sized lemon into the pot. The lemon juice provides a zesty and refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Your Zuppa Toscana is now ready to be served. Ladle it into bowls and top each serving with the crispy bacon bits you prepared at the beginning. The combination of the smoky bacon and the creamy soup is pure bliss. Enjoy your homemade Zuppa Toscana with some warm, crusty bread or a simple side salad.
With its hearty ingredients and delightful flavors, this Zuppa Toscana soup recipe is a perfect dish for those seeking comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a cozy meal for a winter night, or simply craving a taste of Italy, this recipe will surely satisfy your palate. So, don’t wait any longer—try this Zuppa Toscana recipe, and indulge in a bowl of Italian goodness right in your own kitchen. Buon appetito!
