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Creamy Zuppa Toscana Recipe Easy Homemade Sausage Soup for Cozy Comfort

creamy zuppa toscana with sausage - featured image
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A comforting Italian sausage soup with spicy kale, tender potatoes, and a creamy broth that’s perfect for cozy nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or mild), casings removed (turkey sausage for lighter version)
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 4 cups packed kale (about 120g), stems removed and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and thinly slice the russet potatoes (about 1/8-inch or 3mm thick). Remove kale stems and roughly chop the leaves. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
  3. Add diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Toss in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the sliced potatoes, then pour in 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  6. Stir in the chopped kale and cooked sausage. Simmer for another 5 minutes until kale wilts and flavors meld.
  7. Lower heat and pour in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and warm through, but don’t boil to prevent curdling.
  8. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Taste test and adjust seasoning, adding more red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling. Fresh kale holds up better than spinach; blanch kale if tough. Thinly slice potatoes for even cooking. For gluten-free, verify sausage and broth labels. Vegetarian and dairy-free adaptations available.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy zuppa toscana, sausage soup, Italian sausage soup, kale soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, homemade soup

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/creamy-zuppa-toscana-recipe-easy-homemade-sausage-soup-for-cozy-comfort/