Description
Hearty Tuscan soup blends rich flavors of Italy with creamy textures and wholesome ingredients. Warmth and comfort fill each spoonful, inviting you to savor a delightful culinary experience from the heart of Tuscany.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1/2 pound (226 grams) Italian sausage
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 pound (454 grams) red potatoes
- 1/2 pound (226 grams) kale, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (237 milliliters) water
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) half and half
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) Great Northern beans
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat large pot over medium-high flame. Crumble sausage into small fragments, browning thoroughly until meat develops rich caramelized edges and releases savory oils.
- Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables turn translucent and release aromatic fragrances, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour drained beans into pot, sprinkle paprika, then add broth and water. Gently temper half and half to prevent curdling, then integrate into simmering liquid.
- Carefully slice potatoes into uniform thin rounds. Add potato slices and chopped kale to soup, stirring consistently until kale becomes tender and vibrant green.
- Reduce heat, allowing soup to gently simmer for 15 minutes. Potatoes should become fork-tender and soft. Finish by seasoning with crushed red pepper flakes for balanced heat and depth of flavor.
Notes
- Choose lean Italian sausage for a healthier twist, reducing overall fat content while maintaining robust flavor.
- Swap regular dairy with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan-friendly version of the soup.
- Cut potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Use fresh kale instead of pre-packaged to control texture and maximize nutrient retention during the wilting process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg