Ingredients
Equipment
Method
1. Prepare Your Bacon & Brown the Sausage
- If using bacon for topping, start by cooking it in your large pot until crispy. Remove the bacon bits and set aside, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pot. If not using bacon, skip this step.
- Next, in the same pot, add your spicy Italian ground sausage. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-6 minutes until beautifully browned. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
2. Build the Flavor Base with Our Unique Twist
- This is where our unique twist comes in! In the same pot with the sausage drippings (or after rendering bacon), add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat (if using) and 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. If you didn't render bacon, simply use 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add your diced white onion to the pot and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it becomes beautifully translucent and fragrant. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just another minute until it's aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Simmer to Perfection
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add your 1-inch pieces of yellow potatoes, along with 3 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on their size.
4. Finish with Cream and Kale
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped kale and the heavy cream. Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot. Stir gently until the kale wilts, which should only take a few minutes. Avoid boiling the soup vigorously once the cream is added to prevent curdling.
- Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes, a little extra seasoning can make all the difference!
5. Serve
- Ladle your creamy Zuppa Toscana into bowls. Garnish generously with crispy chopped bacon bits and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a final touch of heat and color.
Notes
For best results, follow the recipe's unique twist: render bacon for crispy topping and use 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat combined with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil (which is called for in the instructions, replacing the listed butter) to sauté aromatics. Avoid vigorous boiling once cream is added to prevent curdling, and always adjust seasoning before serving. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.