Creamy Low-Carb Toscana Soup
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of this Creamy Low-Carb Toscana Soup, inspired by Olive Garden's classic dish. This hearty soup features tender sausage, crispy bacon, and nutrient-packed kale, all enveloped in a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for those following a low-carb lifestyle, this dish is satisfying and full of flavor. With a delightful blend of textures from the cauliflower and the savory notes of garlic and onion, it's the ideal meal for chilly evenings or when you need a cozy, nourishing option. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
sugar-free bacon
1/2 lb (cooked and crumbled)
spicy sausage (Jimmy Dean recommended)
1 lb (cooked and crumbled)
water
2 quarts (as needed)
minced garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
chicken bouillon cubes
2 (dissolved in water)
kale
4 cups (torn into bite-sized pieces)
cauliflower
3-4 cups (cut into small pieces)
heavy cream
1 1/2 cups (room temperature)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, cook the sugar-free bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet, drain excess fat, and place the bacon on a plate to cool. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
2
In the same skillet, add the Jimmy Dean spicy sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3
In a large soup pot, sauté the onions over medium heat until they become tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
5
Pour in the water and add the chicken bouillon cubes, stirring until dissolved.
6
Incorporate the crumbled bacon and cooked sausage into the pot.
7
Next, add the cauliflower, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the cauliflower becomes tender.
8
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to combine.
9
Add the kale, torn into bite-sized pieces, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the kale wilts and the soup is heated through.
10
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious, creamy soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Low-Carb Toscana Soup?
It is a hearty, keto-friendly version of the classic Italian soup, featuring sausage, bacon, kale, and cauliflower in a rich cream broth.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
Is this soup keto-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as keto-friendly and low-carb because it substitutes cauliflower for potatoes and uses sugar-free bacon.
What type of sausage is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 1 lb of Jimmy Dean spicy sausage for the best flavor profile.
Can I use regular bacon?
To keep the recipe strictly low-carb, sugar-free bacon is recommended, but regular bacon can be used if preferred.
How do I prepare the cauliflower for the soup?
The cauliflower should be cut into small pieces to mimic the texture of potatoes used in traditional Zuppa Toscana.
How long does it take to cook the onions?
The onions should be sautéed over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender and translucent.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are tender and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
What is the liquid base of the soup?
The base consists of 2 quarts of water combined with 2 chicken bouillon cubes.
How long should the cauliflower boil?
The cauliflower should be boiled in the broth for approximately 15 minutes or until it becomes tender.
When should I add the heavy cream?
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream after the cauliflower has become tender.
How is the kale prepared?
The kale should be torn into bite-sized pieces before being added to the soup.
How long does the kale need to simmer?
The kale needs to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it wilts and the soup is fully heated through.
Should the bacon be cooked separately?
Yes, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove and crumble it before adding it to the soup pot later.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use a different vegetable instead of kale?
While kale is traditional, you could use spinach, though it will wilt much faster than kale.
What temperature should the heavy cream be?
The recipe recommends using room temperature heavy cream to help it incorporate smoothly into the hot broth.
Do I need to brown the sausage?
Yes, the spicy sausage should be cooked in a skillet until browned and broken into small pieces before adding to the pot.
How much cauliflower is needed?
You will need between 3 to 4 cups of cauliflower cut into small pieces.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a slight kick due to the use of spicy sausage, but you can use mild sausage if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Can I use chicken broth instead of water and bouillon?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 quarts of water and 2 bouillon cubes with 2 quarts of chicken broth.
How much onion is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of chopped onions.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Serve it hot in bowls, optionally with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
How do I ensure the bacon stays crispy?
The bacon is cooked until crispy and added to the liquid; while it will soften in the soup, cooking it well initially ensures the best texture.
How much kale is used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of torn kale.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe suitable for a comforting dinner.
Can I store leftovers of this soup?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated gently on the stove.
What provides the creamy texture?
The 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream added at the end provides the luscious, creamy consistency.
Do I need to drain the sausage fat?
The recipe instructs to remove the sausage from the skillet; you may drain excess fat if preferred, though some fat adds flavor to the broth.
Should I adjust the seasoning?
The recipe recommends tasting the soup at the very end and adjusting the seasoning to your preference before serving.