This Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup, inspired by the classic Zuppa Toscana, is a rich and comforting dish. With flavorful Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and hearty kale in a creamy broth, it’s the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. A one-pot meal that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) spicy Italian sausage (or mild sausage with red pepper flakes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 medium potatoes, sliced or diced
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 3 cups chopped kale (or spinach)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Crumbled bacon (for extra crunch)
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes), then remove it from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add onion and cook for 3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Potatoes
- Add potatoes, chicken broth, oregano, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Add Kale and Sausage
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot.
- Stir in the chopped kale and let simmer for 5 minutes, until wilted.
5. Make It Creamy
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently.
- Let the soup warm for 2–3 minutes without boiling.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or crumbled bacon.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Tips & Variations
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Use Different Greens: Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard.
- Lower Carb Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine while sautéing the onions for depth.
This Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup (Zuppa Toscana) is bold, creamy, and full of flavor—perfect for cozy nights!
