Tuscany Soup

Tuscany soup is a cozy, comforting dish that brings a taste of Italy right into your kitchen. With hearty ingredients like Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale, it’s a perfect multi-dimensional meal that can nourish both the body and the soul. Whether you’re serving it for a family weeknight dinner or as a warm embrace during chilly weekends, this soup is sure to make an impression.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Tuscany soup stands out not just for its robust flavors, but also for its simplicity. It combines wholesome ingredients that are often staples in many kitchens, making it a budget-friendly option. And let’s face it—who doesn’t love a meal that comes together in less than an hour?

It’s rich and creamy—thanks to the heavy cream or half-and-half—but still maintains a balance with the fresh kale, bringing nutrition and texture. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a crowd during game day gatherings.

“This Tuscany soup is not just comforting; it feels like a warm hug. The flavors meld beautifully, and my family devoured it!” – A satisfied home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making this Tuscany soup is easier than you might think! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious bowl ready in no time. The process involves browning the sausage, adding veggies, and letting everything simmer together into a harmonious blend of flavors.

What You’ll Need

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your taste)
• 4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, diced)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bunch kale (chopped, about 4 cups)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)

Preparation Steps

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Brown for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
3. If there’s excess fat, drain it, then toss in the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, followed by the minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add the chopped kale and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Lower the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the soup to warm through for another 2-3 minutes.

Best Way to Serve

When serving Tuscany soup, consider pairing it with some crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish further, offering a savory finish. Alternatively, you could present it with a dollop of pesto on top for a vibrant color contrast and additional flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Guide

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions. When reheating, do so on low heat and stir occasionally to avoid curdling the cream. Ensure safe food handling by cooling soup to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer.

Expert Advice

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. Additionally, if you appreciate a kick, don’t shy away from the red pepper flakes; they add a wonderful zing without overpowering the dish. Lastly, adjust the cream to your preference—less cream will make it lighter, while more will give you a satisfying richness.

Creative Twists

Feel free to play with the ingredients! Swap in turkey sausage for a leaner option, or add beans for a protein boost. Consider experimenting with different greens, such as spinach or Swiss chard. You can even introduce different spices like thyme or rosemary for a unique essence that harks back to Tuscan flavors.

Your Questions Answered

How long does the Tuscany soup take to prepare?

This recipe typically takes about 30 minutes of active cooking and around 15 minutes of simmering time, for a total of about 45 minutes.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or even mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will still be delicious!

How can I adjust the recipe for dietary preferences?

The beauty of this soup is its flexibility. You can use gluten-free broth, non-dairy cream alternatives, or skip the cream entirely for a lighter version. Plus, adding more vegetables can enhance its nutritional profile while making it even heartier.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Tuscany soup recipe, and let it warm your kitchen and your heart!

Tuscany Soup

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A cozy, comforting Tuscany soup that combines Italian sausage, potatoes, and kale for a hearty meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 4 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold, diced)
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bunch kale (chopped, about 4 cups)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Brown for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
3. If there’s excess fat, drain it, then add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, followed by minced garlic for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the diced potatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
5. Add the chopped kale and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste, allowing the soup to warm through for another 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or add a dollop of pesto for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: soup, Tuscany, hearty, Italian, comfort food