Homemade Tuscan Soup is a delightful dish that brings the warm flavors of Tuscany right into your home. This soup is perfect for busy days when you crave something delicious yet simple to make. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s both hearty and healthy, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 16 grams
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fat: 20 grams
Fiber: 4 grams
Sugar: 2 grams
Sodium: 800 mg
Why Make Homemade Tuscan Soup
Homemade Tuscan Soup is not just comforting; it’s also incredibly nutritious. Loaded with kale, potatoes, and Italian sausage, this soup provides a great balance of flavors and textures. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate greens into your diet while enjoying a rich and creamy broth. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
How to Make Homemade Tuscan Soup Step by Step
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups kale, chopped
2 large potatoes, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked through.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Serve hot.
How to Serve Homemade Tuscan Soup
Homemade Tuscan Soup pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or a slice of crusty bread for dipping. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a classic Italian antipasto platter featuring cheeses, olives, and cured meats. You can also drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on top for added richness.
How to Store Homemade Tuscan Soup
To store your Homemade Tuscan Soup, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much. For longer storage, Homemade Tuscan Soup freezes well; just make sure to leave out the heavy cream until reheating for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Cooking Homemade Tuscan Soup
- Use fresh Italian sausage for the best flavor; remove it from its casing and crumble it for even cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with different greens if you don’t have kale—spinach or Swiss chard work wonderfully too.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes for a kick, or leave them out for a milder soup.
- Make it your own by adding other veggies like carrots or celery for extra nutrients.
Delicious Variations of Homemade Tuscan Soup
- For a spicy twist, incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the soup.
- Create a herbed version by adding fresh rosemary or thyme while the soup simmers for an aromatic experience.
- Go vegetarian by swapping the sausage for beans or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
Homemade Tuscan Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its easy preparation and comforting richness, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the warmth and taste of Tuscany right in your kitchen!
Homemade Tuscan Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage Fresh Italian sausage is recommended.
- 4 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
- 2 cups kale, chopped Can substitute with spinach or Swiss chard.
- 2 large potatoes, diced Use any variety, but Russets work well.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or milk.
- 1 each onion, chopped Yellow or white onion recommended.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adjust amount based on preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust to preference.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) Add for extra spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked through.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped kale and cook until wilted.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Serve hot.
