This is a better-than-Olive Garden version of Zuppa Toscana – complete with local food flair!
Sweet Justin was helping me brainstorm dinner ideas for this winter, and after some prodding, he offered up that “Zuppa Toscana,” (like at Olive Garden) is his very favorite soup. I was unfamiliar with this soup, so I looked up the ingredients…and instantly understood why he liked it. Key word: Meat. There is both bacon AND sausage in this recipe.
Local Spotlight: Once I knew what this recipe was going to entail, I knew exactly where to get those items! At our first winter market of the season, I picked up some Italian sausage and some cured bacon (and some other goods too: jam, cheese and eggs!).
This soup is hearty, filling, and perfect with some crusty bread. Plus, it’s got a little kale in it, so it’s healthy, right? Justin gave this recipe a huge thumbs up, and told me that he’d eat this 3 times a week if it was available to him. Wow! So get ready for some more soups, we’ll see what else we can add to the repertoire in these chilly months.
Need more soup ideas? I’ve got a great Instant Pot Potato Soup, and a chicken, broccoli and cheese soup! And beer cheese soup, if you’re feeling boozy! I really enjoy hiding vegetables in soup, and it’s a great way to fool your picky eaters. They can’t resist a cheesy soup, even if it’s got little flecks of broccoli in it!
What’s your favorite soup? I generally love soups that are creamy and hearty. I think this one really hits all those same notes. I’m sure this will become a favorite in your house, too.
xxHillary
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Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage local
- 2 t. garlic pressed
- 6 slices bacon local
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 1 t. olive oil
- 4 C chicken stock
- 1/2 C. water
- 2 small potatoes
- 3 leaves kale
- 1/4 C. cream or milk
Instructions
- Brown sausage and add garlic, once cooked.
- Set aside and brown bacon.
- Sauté onion in olive oil in large stockpot or saucepan.
- Add chicken broth, water, sausage and bacon. Bring to a boil.
- Peel and dice potatoes and add to boiling soup.
- Reduce to simmer and cover for 10 minutes.
- Stir in finely chopped kale.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cream. Serve.
- EnJOY!
Isn’t it awesome when you can create these wonderful dishes at home. Pinning this great soup!!
Yes! Saves money, and a trip out in the cold!
Heck yes. I love me a good hearty soup in the wintertime! We don’t have Olive Garden in my part of Canada, and while I always try to get my fix when I visit the US, I’m pretty excited about the option of having a homemade version to tide me over between trips.. (Now I just need to figure out how to duplicate those amazing breadsticks of theirs.)
It’s not like the OG is the GREATEST Italian food out there or anything, but they DO get those breadsticks just right!!
Quick and easy! How wonderful!
This looks much easier than I was expecting. Love the double meat!
Right?! I was surprised too! Just cook the meat and you’re halfway there!
This soup looks amazing! Great recipe! Sounds delicious and comforting! 🙂
It SO is!! 🙂
Wow…I just want myself a bowl of this to be honest!!!!
Thanks! I hope you get a chance to make some!
This is one of my all time favorite soups! I love love love it! It’s right up there with homemade chicken noodle, pho and clam chowder 🙂
Thooose all sound delicious toooo!
This sounds and looks delicious. Would love a bowl of this on a cold winter’s night! 🙂
Thanks Wajeeha! It’s perfect for that very scenario!
This is what I call a great comfortfood recipe – perfect for a cozy night in or as an appetizer for family brunch )
Yes! Hearty enough for either!