Easy Zuppa Toscana Soup

Zuppa toscana is a broad term, literally meaning "Tuscan soup", though in Italy it is called "minestra di pane", meaning "bread soup".

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb hot or mild Italian sausage
  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 5 slices bacon
  • 2-4 russet potatoes
  • 3 handfuls chopped kale
  • 2 tbs better than bouillon roasted garlic
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon. Remove bacon when finished and reserve for later.
  2. Next, cook sausage, breaking up with the back of a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate to drain.
  3. Add onion and roasted garlic base to the drippings in the pot and cook until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.
  4. Add chicken broth and potatoes and cook until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. (Fork tender)
  5. Stir in kale and heavy cream and bring to a boil. Then, reduce to a simmer and let cook until leaves are tender and bright green. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with shredded parmesan.