Zuppa Toscana is a classic Italian soup that combines hearty smoked sausage, crispy bacon and nutritious kale in a creamy broth. This rustic and flavoursome dish is a popular comfort food that brings the essence of Tuscany to your table with every spoonful. Easy to prepare, it’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16oz) package of smoked sausage
- 6 slices bacon
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 litre water
- 2 tablespoons chicken stock
- 2 potatoes, cut into 1/4 inch slices
- 2 cups kale – washed, dried and shredded
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
Method of preparation:
Prepare the meats:
Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch slices.
Cut the bacon into small pieces.
Cook the meat and vegetables:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp.
Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onions are soft.
Simmer the soup:
Pour in the water and stir in the chicken stock.
Add the sliced potatoes and bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
Add the greens and cream:
Stir in the shredded kale and cooked bacon.
Stir in the heavy cream.
Heat through but do not boil.
Serve hot:
Taste and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.
