Toscana Soup

Toscana Soup Recipe: Authentic Italian Sausage and Potato Soup

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 6

Introduction

Toscana Soup is a hearty and flavorful Italian soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Toscana Soup originates from the Tuscany region of Italy, where it is a popular dish among locals and visitors alike. The combination of sausage, potatoes, and kale in a creamy broth is a classic Italian comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

3 links of italian sausage (I use turkey italian sausage)
0.75 cup chopped onions
1 slice bacon, diced
1.25 tsp minced garlic
1 can (13.75 or 14.5 oz (411 g)) low-sodium chicken broth
2 cup water
2 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced (I use 1 potato or none and cube real small)
2 cup thinly sliced fresh kale
0.33 cup heavy or whipping cream (fat free 0.5 and 0.5)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
Place 3 links of Italian sausage on a jelly-roll pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the sausage on paper towels and let it cool.
Slice the sausage into 0.25 inch thick slices.
In a saucepan, cook the onions and bacon over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the can of chicken broth, water, and potatoes to the saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Stir in the fresh kale, cream, and sausage, and cook for 5 minutes.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage altogether.
Add cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
Spice up the soup with red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the Italian sausage before adding it to the soup to ensure it is fully cooked and adds a delicious flavor to the dish.

- For a lighter version of the soup, you can use fat-free cream instead of heavy cream.

- Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Toscana Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage.

- Substitute spinach for kale if desired.

- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Toscana Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Toscana Soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Toscana Soup with a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio for a classic Italian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Toscana Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Toscana Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Toscana Soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Toscana Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Toscana Soup contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Toscana Soup is rich in vitamins A and C from the kale and potatoes. It also contains minerals such as potassium and iron from the sausage and potatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream) and pork (sausage), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or pork allergies.

Summary

Toscana Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Toscana Soup is a delicious and comforting Italian soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy this classic Italian dish with your family and friends for a hearty and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Toscana Soup. It was a cold, winter day and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the attic. As I flipped through the pages, a worn piece of paper fell out and landed at my feet. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Toscana Soup.

The paper was stained and faded, but the ingredients and instructions were still legible. I could tell that this recipe had been passed down for generations, and I was determined to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients listed on the paper: Italian sausage, bacon, onion, garlic, potatoes, kale, chicken broth, and heavy cream. The combination of flavors sounded delicious and comforting, perfect for a chilly evening.

As I started cooking, the savory aroma of the sausage and bacon filled the kitchen. I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through each step, even though she had never made this particular soup before.

I sautéed the Italian sausage and bacon until they were browned and crispy, then added diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. The fragrance of the garlic mingling with the meat was intoxicating, and I couldn't help but smile as memories of family gatherings and holiday meals flooded my mind.

Next, I added cubed potatoes and chicken broth to the pot, letting the flavors meld together as the potatoes softened. I stirred in chopped kale and let the soup simmer until it was thick and hearty. Finally, I poured in the heavy cream, giving the soup a creamy richness that balanced out the bold flavors of the sausage and bacon.

As I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, I knew that I had stumbled upon a new family favorite. The Toscana Soup was warm and comforting, with layers of flavor that reminded me of my Italian heritage.

I shared the soup with my loved ones, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My grandchildren begged me to make it again, and I happily obliged, knowing that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in our family.

I couldn't believe my luck in finding such a hidden gem in that old cookbook. The recipe for Toscana Soup had brought me closer to my roots and allowed me to create new memories with the ones I loved.

As I sat down to enjoy a bowl of the soup myself, I closed my eyes and savored each spoonful. The warmth of the broth, the richness of the cream, the savory bite of the sausage – it was a symphony of flavors that filled me with joy and contentment.

I made a mental note to thank whoever had written down that recipe so many years ago. Their legacy had brought me so much happiness and connected me to my past in a way that I never could have imagined.

And so, as I finished the last spoonful of Toscana Soup, I felt grateful for the serendipitous moment that had led me to discover this treasured recipe. It was a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come when we least expect them, waiting to be uncovered like hidden treasures just waiting to be found.