Savor the Simplicity: Easy Zuppa Toscana – A Cozy Italian Comfort in a Bowl!

Dive into the heartwarming embrace of Easy Zuppa Toscana, a soul-soothing Italian classic that marries the richness of bacon and sausage with the wholesome goodness of potatoes and kale. This effortlessly delightful soup is a celebration of flavors, delivering a symphony of textures and a touch of creaminess. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a bowlful of warmth and comfort.

In our kitchen, the aroma of sizzling bacon sets the stage for the creation of Easy Zuppa Toscana. Picture this: thick-cut bacon crackling in the pot, infusing the air with a smoky essence. As the Italian sausage joins the party, the kitchen transforms into a haven of rich, savory notes. With each stir, the soup evolves into a masterpiece, marrying the crispy allure of bacon with the hearty goodness of potatoes and the earthy charm of kale. It’s a family favorite, a testament to the simplicity of Italian comfort that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation.

Why This Easy Zuppa Toscana:

Hearty Simplicity at its Best!

• Bacon & Sausage Duo: The dynamic duo of bacon and Italian sausage creates a symphony of savory flavors, setting the foundation for a hearty and satisfying soup.
• Creamy Elegance: A touch of heavy cream adds a velvety richness to the broth, elevating the soup to a luxurious dining experience.
• Potato Perfection: Red potatoes, with their skins left on, bring a rustic appeal and a satisfying bite to each spoonful.
• Kale’s Earthy Crunch: Fresh kale, torn into bite-size pieces, introduces a delightful crunch and a burst of nutrition to the soup.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this Zuppa Toscana is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients:

• 5 strips of bacon (thick-cut works best), cut into small pieces
• 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (about 475 ml)
• 4 cups water
• 4 large red potatoes, diced (leave skins on)
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 small bunch of kale, torn into bite-size pieces (remove stems)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a pot, cook bacon pieces over medium-high heat for 5 minutes to render a head start.
2. Add Italian sausage to the pot. Allow bacon and sausage to brown and crisp, stirring occasionally for about 15+ minutes. Optionally, remove excess fat, leaving a few tablespoons for flavor.
3. Stir in onions and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add chicken broth, water, potatoes, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
5. Increase heat to high, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat to simmer.
6. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
7. Add cream and kale, cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until kale is soft and wilted. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes:

• For a spicy kick, opt for spicy Italian sausage.
• Experiment with adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
• Make it gluten-free by choosing gluten-free Italian sausage and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Allow the soup to sit for a while before serving to let the flavors meld even more.