Hearty Tuscan-style Zuppa Soup
Experience the rich and comforting flavors of Italy with this Hearty Tuscan-style Zuppa Soup, inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic. This delicious soup combines savory elements like crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and spicy sausage, all simmered to perfection in a creamy broth. Ideal for chilly evenings, it pairs perfectly with warm breadsticks or crusty Italian bread. Whether you're reminiscing about your last Olive Garden visit or just seeking a warming meal, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper for an added burst of flavor!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
3/4 cup (diced)
bacon
1 slice (diced)
garlic
1 1/4 teaspoons (minced)
chicken bouillon
1 ounce (dissolved in water)
water
1 quart (not prepared)
potatoes
2 medium (cut into 1/4 cubes)
cavolo nero or kale
2 cups (chopped)
spicy precooked link sausage
1 1/2 cups (sliced)
heavy cream
3/4 cup (not prepared)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, add the diced bacon and cook over medium heat until it starts to crisp. Once the bacon is cooked, add the diced onions and continue to cook until the onions become translucent.
2
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it doesn't burn.
3
Add the chicken bouillon, water, and diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4
Once the potatoes are cooked, incorporate the chopped cavolo nero (or kale) and the spicy sausage. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
5
Finally, stir in the heavy cream for a silky texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh ground pepper.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
13g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Tuscan-style Zuppa Soup?
Hearty Tuscan-style Zuppa Soup is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and spicy sausage in a creamy broth.
Is this recipe similar to the Olive Garden version?
Yes, this recipe is specifically inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic Zuppa Toscana.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include spicy precooked link sausage, potatoes, cavolo nero or kale, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken bouillon, and heavy cream.
How should I prepare the bacon for this recipe?
You should dice the bacon and cook it in a large saucepan over medium heat until it starts to become crisp.
How do I cook the onions?
The onions should be diced and added to the saucepan with the cooked bacon, then cooked until they become translucent.
What is the best way to handle the garlic?
The garlic should be minced and stirred in for about one minute after the onions are translucent, ensuring it does not burn.
How is the soup broth created?
The broth is made by combining one quart of water with one ounce of dissolved chicken bouillon.
How should the potatoes be cut?
The potatoes should be cut into 1/4 inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
How long do the potatoes need to simmer?
The potatoes should simmer in the broth for approximately 15 minutes or until they are tender.
What type of greens can I use in this soup?
You can use either chopped cavolo nero or kale for this recipe.
When do I add the greens and sausage?
Once the potatoes are tender, incorporate the chopped greens and sliced spicy sausage and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Is the sausage used in this recipe raw or precooked?
This recipe calls for 1.5 cups of spicy precooked link sausage, which should be sliced before adding.
How do I make the soup creamy?
To achieve a silky texture, stir in 3/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of the cooking process.
How many calories are in a serving of this Zuppa Soup?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in this soup?
This soup contains 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 9 grams of protein per serving.
What are the recommended garnishes?
It is recommended to garnish the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper.
What side dishes pair well with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with warm breadsticks or crusty Italian bread.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 teaspoons of minced garlic.
How much onion is used?
You will need 3/4 cup of diced onion.
What is the quantity of potatoes needed?
The recipe calls for 2 medium-sized potatoes.
How much kale or cavolo nero should I prepare?
You should use 2 cups of chopped kale or cavolo nero.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and involves straightforward simmering steps.
Can I use different types of bouillon?
The recipe specifies chicken bouillon, but you could substitute with chicken stock if preferred.
How much liquid total is in the soup?
The recipe uses 1 quart of water plus 3/4 cup of heavy cream added at the end.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a mild spice level due to the use of spicy precooked link sausage.
How many slices of bacon are needed?
The recipe uses 1 slice of diced bacon to provide flavor and texture.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 primary ingredients used to make this soup.
When should I season with salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper to taste at the very end, after stirring in the heavy cream.