Go Back
Print

Zuppa Toscana (With Dairy Free Option)

A traditional Tuscan meat and potato soup

Course dinner, Soup
Cuisine Italian
Keyword diary free soup, Gluten free soup, Italian soup, zuppa Tuscana
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 5 strips thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 pound sweet, mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed (the heat is up to you!)
  • 2 pounds baby gold potatoes, unpeeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes  
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced or grated
  • 1 medium white onion, diced   
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (if using spicy sausage, please omit)
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste 
  • 6 cups good quality chicken broth
  • 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed, leaves chopped (makes about 5-6 cups)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for dairy free use coconut cream)
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (or champagne vinegar, or white balsamic) 
  • freshly grated parmesan for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut bacon and squeeze sausage out of casings, set aside. Place a large Dutch oven or stock pot on medium heat and cook bacon until crispy (6-7 minutes) While bacon cooks prep potatoes and garlic.

  2. Place bacon on a plate lined with paper towels. Add sausage to pot and cook using a spatula or wooden spoon to break into pieces. Cook until no longer pink (about 7 minutes) While sausage cooks, chop onions and kale.

  3. When sausage is ready scoop out and place on paper towels with the bacon.

  4. Add potatoes, garlic and onion to the pot with drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly soft (6 to 8 minutes) Add a pinch of red pepper flakes (skip if using spicy sausage), add 2-3 pinches sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

  5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and cook until potatoes are just soft (about 10 minutes, check frequently, you don't want them to get mushy)

  6. Add the kale, cream, bacon and sausage to pot and bring to a simmer. Cook until the kale is tender, stirring occasionally for another 5-6 minutes. Stir in the vinegar, taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Ladle into bowls, garnish with freshly grated parmesan if desired.