Description
Hearty Tuscan sausage soup combines rustic Italian flavors with comforting ingredients. Robust spices and tender vegetables create a soul-warming meal that connects you to Tuscany’s rich culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) spicy Italian ground sausage
- Chopped bacon or bacon bits for topping
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4–5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups chopped kale
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) water
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Grated parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Brown Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, ensuring a golden exterior. Transfer meat to a separate plate using a slotted spoon.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions until they become translucent and slightly softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Pour chicken broth and water into the pot. Add diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Incorporate chopped kale into the simmering soup, allowing leaves to wilt and soften. Slowly stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and velvety texture. Return cooked sausage to the pot and gently combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and crispy bacon crumbles for added depth and crunch.
Notes
- Swap protein easily by using turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option that maintains rich flavor.
- Ensure potatoes are cut uniformly to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Reduce dairy content by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions.
- Control spice levels by selecting mild or hot Italian sausage depending on personal heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg