A warm and simple Tuscan soup you can make at home.
introduction
This Tuscan Soup is a hearty, creamy soup with sausage, potatoes, and kale. It warms you on cold nights. It uses simple ingredients and cooks in one pot.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is fast, filling, and tastes like comfort food. It uses common pantry items. Kids and adults usually like it. You can change the spice level and make it lighter or richer.
how to make Tuscan Soup
Follow the steps below to cook the soup. Work in order and taste at the end.
- Brown the sausage in a large pot and drain extra fat if needed.
- Sauté the onion until soft, then add garlic for a minute.
- Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the kale and red pepper flakes, and cook a few minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Warm through and serve.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound Italian sausage (Mild or spicy.)
- 4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, diced.)
- 1 large onion (Diced.)
- 3 cloves garlic (Minced.)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bunch kale (Chopped, about 4 cups.)
- 1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional.)
- Salt (To taste.)
- Pepper (To taste.)
- Olive oil (For sautéing.)
Directions :
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the chopped kale and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot in bowls with crusty bread on the side if desired.
how to serve Tuscan Soup
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Add crusty bread for dipping. You can top with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with a simple salad if you want a full meal.
how to store Tuscan Soup
Let the soup cool to room temperature. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat so the cream does not separate. You can freeze the soup without cream for up to 2 months; add cream when you reheat.
tips to make Tuscan Soup
- Use browned sausage for more flavor.
- Cut potatoes into even pieces so they cook at the same time.
- Add the cream last and warm gently to avoid curdling.
- Taste and add salt at the end because broth and sausage can be salty.
- For a lighter soup, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
variation (if any)
- Make it vegetarian: skip the sausage and add white beans or mushrooms.
- Swap kale for spinach if you prefer a softer green.
- Use spicy sausage for more heat or sweet sausage for milder flavor.
- Add carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes in the pot.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen kale?
A: Yes. Add frozen kale a bit longer so it thaws and cooks through.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown sausage and sauté onion first, then add other ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cream at the end.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Use a dairy-free cream substitute or coconut milk for a different but creamy result.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
A: Yes, but add extra herbs and salt since turkey is milder.
Q: How do I make it less salty?
A: Use low-sodium broth and taste before adding extra salt.
Conclusion
For a home-style copycat of a popular chain soup, see this easy recipe guide at Easy Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana recipe for more tips. If you want a video and step-by-step copycat version, check the detailed instructions at Zuppa Toscana Recipe (Olive Garden Copycat) – Natasha’s Kitchen.
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Tuscan Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and simple Tuscan soup made with sausage, potatoes, and kale, perfect for cold nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (Mild or spicy)
- 4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, diced)
- 1 large onion (Diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (Minced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 bunch kale (Chopped, about 4 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional)
- Salt (To taste)
- Pepper (To taste)
- Olive oil (For sautéing)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the chopped kale and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to warm through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot in bowls with crusty bread on the side if desired.
Notes
For a lighter soup, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Tuscan soup, Italian soup, comforting soup, hearty soup, winter soup