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Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (use your garlic press for ease!)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium Russet potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup half-and-half (or milk)
- 4 cups fresh kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish
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Buy on AmazonStep-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sausage. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics. Add the diced yellow onion to the pot with the sausage and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the thinly sliced potatoes, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. For best results, use a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board to prepare your ingredients.
Step 4: Add Cream and Kale. Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and half-and-half. Add the chopped kale and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the kale is wilted but still vibrant green. If you prefer an extra creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup before adding the kale, but be careful not to over-blend.
Step 5: Serve. Ladle the hot Zuppa Toscana into bowls. Garnish each serving with the crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Copycat Recipe (Better Than the Restaurant)
Ingredients
- 1 pound spicy Italian sausage
- 6 slices bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium Russet potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup half-and-half (or milk)
- 4 cups fresh kale, stems removed and roughly chopped
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sausage. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics. Add the diced yellow onion to the pot with the sausage and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the thinly sliced potatoes, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. For best results, use a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board to prepare your ingredients.
- Step 4: Add Cream and Kale. Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and half-and-half. Add the chopped kale and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the kale is wilted but still vibrant green. If you prefer an extra creamy texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend a small portion of the soup before adding the kale, but be careful not to over-blend.
- Step 5: Serve. Ladle the hot Zuppa Toscana into bowls. Garnish each serving with the crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
FAQ Section
Can I make Zuppa Toscana ahead of time?
How do I store leftover Zuppa Toscana?
Can I make this Zuppa Toscana recipe vegetarian?
Conclusion
There you have it – a Zuppa Toscana copycat recipe that truly lives up to its promise of being better than the restaurant. The blend of savory sausage, tender potatoes, fresh kale, and a luscious creamy broth creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. This homemade version allows you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor it to your exact preferences, ensuring a perfect bowl every time.
We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the warmth and satisfaction it brings. It’s more than just a soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl. Share it with your loved ones and savor every spoonful of this incredible Italian-inspired comfort food. For more delicious recipes and cooking tips, keep exploring Food Jot!
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