Zuppa Toscana, a rich and flavorful Italian soup, has become a fan favorite due to its hearty combination of spicy Italian sausage, creamy broth, and fresh kale. If you’re looking to recreate this classic at home, here’s how to make the perfect Zuppa Toscana, tailored for four servings.
1. Zuppa Toscana Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups kale, chopped (remove tough stems)
- Bacon bits (or cooked bacon, crumbled; optional)
Instructions
Cook the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage and cook it until browned. As it cooks, break it apart into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon. Let the sausage cook for about 7-10 minutes until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the diced white onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic adds an incredible depth of flavor to the soup, so don’t skip this step.
Add the Broth and Potatoes
Next, pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. Add the cut yellow potatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender but still hold their shape. The potatoes add heartiness to the soup and make it feel extra comforting.
Season the Soup
Season the soup with 3 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. You can always adjust the seasoning later, depending on your preference. The potatoes absorb a lot of the flavors, so it’s important to check and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Return the Sausage and Add the Cream
Once the potatoes are cooked, return the browned sausage to the pot and stir it in with the broth and potatoes. Pour in the heavy cream, which will give the soup a creamy texture and rich flavor. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add the Kale
Finally, add the chopped kale to the soup and stir it in. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the kale is tender and wilted. Kale adds a nice, earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cream and sausage. It also brings a lovely pop of color to the soup.
Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. For extra flavor, you can top your Zuppa Toscana with crumbled bacon bits or freshly cooked bacon.
2. Tips for Perfect Zuppa Toscana
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale and high-quality sausage make a significant difference in the flavor and texture of the soup. I recommend using a good-quality Italian sausage, as it adds a lot of depth to the soup. If you can, buy fresh kale rather than frozen to retain the vibrant green color and texture.
Adjust the Creaminess: Depending on how creamy you like your soup, you can adjust the amount of heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the cream slightly. You can also substitute part of the cream with milk if you want to make it less rich.
Perfect Potato Texture: Make sure to cut the potatoes into even pieces so they cook uniformly. This helps ensure that some pieces don’t end up mushy while others are still hard. For best results, choose waxy potatoes like yellow potatoes, as they hold their shape better in soups.
Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder soup, use a mild Italian sausage instead of spicy sausage. Conversely, if you love a bit more spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra spicy sausage.
Flavor Boosting: To add more flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or some crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing step. A dash of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme can also elevate the taste.
3. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing and reheating Zuppa Toscana is simple.
Storage: Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store the soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so it’s often even better the next day!
Freezing: While you can freeze Zuppa Toscana, the cream in the soup can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend freezing the soup before adding the cream. Once you reheat the soup, you can then add the cream.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a little extra water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can also microwave individual servings for convenience.
Zuppa Toscana is a soul-satisfying soup that’s easy to make and incredibly filling. The creamy broth, tender potatoes, savory sausage, and fresh kale come together to create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re making it for dinner or enjoying leftovers, it’s a meal that never disappoints. Plus, with a few simple tips, you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy a bowl of this Italian-inspired comfort food today!
