Rustic Zuppa Toscana
This Rustic Zuppa Toscana is a simple yet extremely flavorful soup that is perfect to warm you up on those cold nights. It also comes together in under an hour, so it's great for busy weeknights too.
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 275kcal
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy Bottom Pot
Ingredients
- 1 Lb. Mild or Spicy Italian Sausage Casings Removed or Ground
- 2 - 3 Tablespoons Bacon Fat or Neutral Oil
- 1 Yellow Onion Diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 Ribs Celery Halved and Sliced into ¼-Inch Pieces
- 3 Russet Potatoes Peeled and Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ Quarts Low Sodium Chicken Stock (6 Cups)
- 1 ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt Plus More to Taste - Lower salt to ½ teaspoon if using salted chicken stock
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper Plus More To Taste
- Zest and Juice from 1 Lemon
- ¾ Teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 Pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional
- 3 Cups Kale Roughly Chopped, Stems Removed
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- ¾ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add in 2 to 3 tablespoons of bacon fat (optional, but recommended) or neutral cooking oil. Add the ground Italian sausage, onion, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the sausage is cooked through and the onions turn translucent, about 8 minutes. While this is cooking, prepare the garlic, potatoes, and celery.
- Add the garlic, potatoes, and celery and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring to incorporate. Add the dried basil, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the low-sodium chicken stock, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Prepare the kale while the soup is simmering.
- Add in the chopped kale, heavy cream, and grated parmesan and stir. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, then taste for salt and pepper.
- Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with more parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread or hearty dinner rolls.
Nutrition
Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 679mg | Potassium: 614mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1356IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 1mg
