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Simple Recipes for Every Day

Zuppa Toscana

zuppa toscana soup with sausage, potatoes and kale
  • Serves:  6
  • Prep Time:  15 min
  • Cook Time:  40 min

Ingredients

  • 10 slices bacon, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage, mild or spicy
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, about 1 tablespoon
  • 32 oz chicken stock
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 large russet potatoes, peeled, 1/2-inch sliced then each slice quartered, about 1 1/2 lbs
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2" half circles
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 bunch kale, stem removed roughly chopped or torn into bite sized pieces, roughly 4 cups
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp pepper, adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Method

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until browned and crispy. Remove from heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon pieces to a paper towel lined plate, set aside. Reserve the bacon dripping in the pan.
  2. While the bacon is cooking, heat olive oil in a dutch oven or heavy bottomed soup pot (with lid) set over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, crumbling it as it cooks, about 10 minutes. Using a colander, drain the sausage, then add to the plate with the bacon.
  3. Turn the heat down to medium heat, and add 2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat. Add the onion to pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add a little chicken stock to deglaze the pan if necessary. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
  4. Pour in chicken stock, scrapping the bottom of the pot. Add in the chili powder, potatoes and zucchinis, turn the heat to high and bring to a boil, this will take about 5-10 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and boil for 5 minutes longer or until potatoes and zucchini are are tender. Return the cooked sausage, 3/4 of the bacon, heavy cream, kale and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Stir and cook 2-5 minutes until kale is wilted.
  6. Add the salt and pepper, adjust to taste. Serve in bowls, topped with remaining bacon, remaining parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.