Is there anything more comforting than a steaming bowl of hearty soup on a chilly day? If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe to warm you up from the inside out, then look no further than this Easy Zuppa Toscana recipe. Inspired by the flavors of the Tuscan countryside, this soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with Italian sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and kale, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your household. So grab your favorite apron and let’s get cooking!
## Easy Zuppa Toscana Recipe
### Ingredients:
– 1 pound Italian sausage
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 4 cups water
– 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 3 cups chopped kale
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
### Instructions:
1. Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat. Break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
2. In the same pot, add the diced bacon and cook until it is nice and crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside.
3. Keeping the rendered bacon fat in the pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Add the cubed potatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked Italian sausage, crispy bacon, heavy cream, and chopped kale. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
7. Ladle the Zuppa Toscana into bowls and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy this Easy Zuppa Toscana with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with loved ones, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, next time you’re craving a cozy and delicious soup, give this Easy Zuppa Toscana recipe a try. Happy cooking!