Hearty Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup
Transport your taste buds to the heart of Tuscany with this delightful copycat version of the beloved Olive Garden classic, Zuppa Toscana. Picture a warm, comforting bowl of rich, creamy soup filled with spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and vibrant kale. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of flavors, making this dish ideal for family dinners or a cozy night in. Enjoy the blend of hearty ingredients complemented by a hint of aromatic spices, creating a hearty soup that is both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for serving on chilly evenings, this comforting Tuscan soup is bound to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
242
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spicy Sausage
2 cups (Jimmy Dean or similar, browned and crumbled)
Onion
1 medium (diced)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Chicken Base
4 tablespoons (or 2 quarts chicken broth)
Water
2 quarts (to cook the soup)
Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon
Bay Leaf
1
Potatoes
4 cups (coarsely chopped or frozen hash browns)
Kale
6 cups (chopped, stems removed)
Evaporated Milk
5 ounces
Parmesan Cheese
to taste (freshly grated for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are translucent and fragrant.
2
Pour in the water and add the chicken base or two quarts of chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle boil.
3
Incorporate the coarsely chopped potatoes into the mixture. For convenience, you can use frozen hash browns if desired.
4
Stir in the dried thyme and bay leaf. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5
In a separate skillet, brown the spicy sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat using a strainer.
6
While the sausage is cooking, prepare the kale by washing it thoroughly, removing the stems, and slicing it into bite-sized pieces. You can also opt to use fresh spinach or thawed frozen spinach if preferred.
7
Add the browned sausage and chopped kale to the soup pot, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and the potatoes are fully tender.
8
Next, pour in the evaporated milk, stirring to combine, and let the soup heat through for a few more minutes.
9
Taste your soup and add salt if needed, adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
10
Serve your hearty soup hot with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious Tuscan creation!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
17g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main inspiration for this Hearty Tuscan Sausage and Kale Soup?
This recipe is a delightful copycat version of the beloved Olive Garden classic, Zuppa Toscana.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 242 calories per serving.
What type of sausage should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of spicy sausage, such as Jimmy Dean or a similar brand, browned and crumbled.
Can I substitute the spicy sausage with something else?
Yes, you can use mild or sweet Italian sausage if you prefer a less spicy flavor profile.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What is the creamy base of this soup?
The creaminess comes from 5 ounces of evaporated milk added toward the end of the cooking process.
Can I use chicken broth instead of chicken base and water?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken base and 2 quarts of water with 2 quarts of chicken broth.
How much kale is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of chopped kale with the stems removed.
Is it necessary to remove the stems from the kale?
Yes, removing the stems is recommended to ensure the kale pieces are tender and easy to eat.
What is a suitable substitute for kale?
You can opt to use fresh spinach or thawed frozen spinach if you do not have kale.
How many potatoes are used in the soup?
The recipe uses 4 cups of coarsely chopped potatoes.
Can I use frozen hash browns?
Yes, for convenience, you can use frozen hash browns as a substitute for fresh potatoes.
What seasonings are used for the aromatic flavor?
The soup is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and one bay leaf.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
The potatoes should simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender.
Why is it important to drain the fat from the sausage?
Draining the excess fat using a strainer prevents the soup from becoming overly greasy.
When should the evaporated milk be added?
The evaporated milk should be stirred in after the sausage and kale have cooked and the potatoes are tender.
What garnish is recommended for serving?
Serve the soup with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 10g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
Each serving contains 17g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
The soup provides 16g of protein per serving.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients required for this recipe.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of extra water or chicken broth.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be diced and then sautéed until translucent.
What heat should be used to sauté the onion and garlic?
They should be sautéed over medium heat in a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is recommended, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a similar salty finish.
How much evaporated milk is needed?
The recipe specifies 5 ounces of evaporated milk.
Is salt added during the cooking process?
Salt should be added at the very end after tasting to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Is this soup a good choice for meal prep?
Yes, this hearty soup stores well and the flavors often deepen after a day in the refrigerator.
Is this soup suitable for cold weather?
Absolutely, it is described as a comforting soup that is perfect for serving on chilly evenings.
How do I prepare the sausage for the soup?
Brown the sausage in a separate skillet, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks before adding it to the pot.