Total Time: 50 minutes
Introduction:
Bring the heartwarming flavors of Italy to your kitchen with this delectable Copycat Zuppa Toscana recipe. With hearty ingredients such as Italian sausage, russet potatoes, and kale, this soup is perfect to warm up on a chilly evening. Not only is it a delicious soupy treat, but it also saves you a trip to the Olive Gardens!
Why make this recipe?
If you’re a lover of Italian flavors and warm hearty soups, this Copycat Zuppa Toscana is for you! It’s a meal in itself with balanced flavors and textures. Moreover, by preparing this dish at home, you can tailor it according to your preferences while also saving on time and money without compromising on taste.
How to make Copycat Zuppa Toscana:
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Italian sausage
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1 large onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 4 cups kale leaves, chopped
– 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Begin by cooking the sausage with red pepper flakes in a large pot over medium flame until browned. Make sure to drain the excess fat.
2. Add your diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Follow it up by stirring in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Add the thin slices of potatoes to the pot, cooking until they’re tender. This should take about 10 minutes.
4. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped kale. Cook until wilted. This shouldn’t be more than 5 minutes.
5. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and season to taste using salt and pepper. Give it a moment to heat through.
How to Serve Copycat Zuppa Toscana:
Serve your freshly made soup hot, preferably garnished with additional red pepper flakes if you prefer some extra heat. A side of crusty bread would be an excellent accompaniment to your ultimate comfort meal!
How to Store Copycat Zuppa Toscana:
To store, allow the soup to cool thoroughly before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium flame until it’s hot.
Tips to Make Best Copycat Zuppa Toscana:
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavors. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth. For a vegetarian variant, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the sausage.
Variation:
For a healthier twist, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. Incorporate other leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale if you prefer.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use any sausage of your preference. However, Italian sausage lends an authentic flavor to the dish.
2. Can I replace kale with another green?
Absolutely! You can use spinach, Swiss chard or even collard greens.
3. Can I freeze the soup?
This soup is best enjoyed fresh. However, if needed, it can be frozen without the cream. Add the cream during reheating.