Zuppa Toscana

Ingredients

• 1 lb Mild Italian sausage
• 4 slices Bacon (Chopped; optional)
• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (Sliced into thin half-moons)
• 1 Yellow onion (Diced)
• 5 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 0.75 cup Dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 5 cups Chicken broth
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 cups Kale (Chopped, stems removed)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan (Freshly grated; additional Parmesan for serving is mentioned but no amount is stated)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper (Freshly cracked additional pepper for serving is mentioned but no amount is stated)
• 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (Optional)
• Salt (To taste; adjust as needed)
• Olive oil (If needed)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove it and set it aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pot.

2. 2

   Add the Italian sausage and break it into small crumbles. Cook until nicely browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. 3

   Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened.

4. 4

   Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

5. 5

   Pour in the white wine. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot, then simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the wine has reduced by about half.

6. 6

   Add the sliced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.

7. 7

   Reduce the heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

8. 8

   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale.

9. 9

   Gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the kale softens.

10. 10

    Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan until incorporated.

11. 11

    Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

12. 12

    Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with the reserved crispy bacon, extra Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

The recipe gives no amount for salt, olive oil (if needed), or the extra Parmesan and black pepper used to finish. The bacon is optional.

Nutrition per serving

• soup
• main
• Italian
• comfort food
• stovetop
• gluten-free
• contains dairy
• contains pork