Description
Olive garden zuppa toscana soup blends robust Italian flavors with hearty turkey sausage, creating a comforting meal that warms winter nights. Creamy potatoes, crisp kale, and savory sausage invite you to savor each spoonful of this delightful Tuscan-inspired comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) turkey sausage (mild or spicy)
Vegetables and Greens:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium russet potatoes, sliced
- 2 cups kale, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Warm a generously sized cooking vessel over medium temperature, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Crumble turkey sausage into the pot, methodically breaking down chunks while allowing meat to caramelize and develop rich golden edges.
- Transfer browned sausage to a separate dish, preserving the flavorful remnants in the cooking vessel.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pot, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, then carefully add cubed potatoes seasoned with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Maintain a gentle simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing potatoes to tenderize and absorb surrounding flavors.
- Reintroduce cooked sausage into the simmering liquid, creating a harmonious blend of proteins and vegetables.
- Incorporate fresh, roughly chopped kale leaves, stirring gently and allowing greens to wilt and soften for 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, slowly streaming heavy cream into the soup while continuously stirring to prevent separation.
- Allow soup to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring all ingredients meld together seamlessly.
- Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum flavor and comfort.
Notes
- Swap traditional pork sausage with lean turkey sausage for a healthier protein option that maintains robust flavor and reduces overall fat content.
- Choose fresh kale over frozen for maximum texture and nutritional value, ensuring crisp leaves that don’t become overly soggy during cooking.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with less and gradually increase to suit individual heat preferences without overwhelming the soup’s delicate balance.
- Make this soup diet-friendly by using dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests, maintaining the creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 324 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1030 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg