Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a traditional Italian soup that originates from Tuscany. This soup is traditionally made with Italian sausage, bacon, potatoes and some greens. Are you wondering what Zuppa Toscana means? Here is a quick translation… Zuppa means soup and Toscana is a region in Italy better known as Tuscany. This is a truly soul warming soup, bursting with flavor. The addition of Italian sausage and bacon just gives this soup the magic touch. This Zuppa Toscana will definitely be the new family favorite.

You might struggle to find spicy Italian sausage where you live. But I have had some great success making this dish with a good quality pork sausage. If you like spicy food swap the traditional Italian sausage with a spicy type. If you would like to heat things up even more, try adding some red pepper flakes just before serving.
Yummy.

Enjoy! I would love to hear what you think of this recipe…

Ingredients

A splash of Olive oil
500g Spicy Italian sausage (Good quality pork sausage will work well)
8 slices bacon, diced
1 Medium Onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoons flour
1 L Chicken stock
4 Large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup cream
500g Kale(or Spinach) destemmed and cut into thin strips.
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

Remove the stuffing from the sausage. Do this by cutting one end of the sausage open. Now squish the stuffing out of the sausage casing and set the stuffing aside. Discard the sausage casing.

Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then brown the sausage until cooked. Drain the excess oil and transfer the cooked sausage to a plate. Set aside. Using the same pot fry the bacon until almost done, now add the onion and fry for 5 minutes, adding the garlic at the last minute. Stir continuously.

Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir until combined. Now pour in the chicken stock, stirring as you pour. Add in the potatoes and bring to boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and simmer for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Add in the bacon bits, cream and the kale or spinach. Stir and allow to cook for 5-10 minutes or until wilted.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you would like a little kick why not add red pepper flakes on top before serving.

Enjoy!