Introduction
If you’re on the lookout for a healthy yet hearty soup that warms you from the inside out, look no further than this Healthy Zuppa Toscana recipe. Inspired by the classic Italian dish, this version optimizes flavor while focusing on wholesome ingredients. With ground Italian sausage, crispy bacon, fresh kale, and a creamy coconut milk base, this soup is satisfying and nourishing, making it perfect for any time of year.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Olive oil
1 lb ground Italian sausage
6 slices organic bacon, diced (or turkey bacon)
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
6 cloves garlic, minced
7 cups chicken bone broth
7 medium yellow potatoes, diced
3 cups finely chopped fresh kale
1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
This Healthy Zuppa Toscana is not only simple to prepare but also wholesome and comforting. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Brown the Sausage
Heat a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Once hot, add a small drizzle of olive oil. Add the ground Italian sausage and use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned, drain it and set aside.
Cook the Bacon
Add the diced bacon to the pot and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir the bacon as it cooks. Once crispy, remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving two tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper to the pot. Cook until the onions are soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour the chicken bone broth into the pot, stirring as you pour. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the soup to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and boil until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the cooked sausage, most of the cooked bacon, chopped kale, and full-fat coconut milk to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the kale is tender, about 5 minutes.
Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with the remaining bacon pieces and serve the Zuppa Toscana warm.
Notes
Ground Italian Sausage
Use mild or spicy ground Italian sausage depending on your heat preference. For a Whole30 compliant recipe, opt for homemade Italian sausage and ensure your bacon is sugar-free.
Turkey Bacon Option
If using turkey bacon, be sure to add extra fat to the pan before cooking.
Potato Preparation
Dice the potatoes into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Seasoning Adjustment
Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste; the amount may vary depending on the chicken broth you use.
Garnish
Reserve about 1-2 teaspoons of bacon pieces for garnish if desired.
Cook techniques
Brown the Sausage
Heat a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat, add olive oil, then brown the ground Italian sausage by breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Cook the Bacon
Add diced bacon to the pot and cook until crispy, stirring regularly, then remove and set aside, leaving some grease in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper to the pot and cook until the onions are soft, then stir in minced garlic and cook briefly.
Add Broth and Potatoes
Pour in chicken bone broth while stirring and bring to a boil, then add diced yellow potatoes and cook until fork-tender.
Combine Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the browned sausage, most of the cooked bacon, chopped kale, and full-fat coconut milk, reducing heat to simmer until the kale is tender.
Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste, garnish with remaining bacon, and serve warm.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute mild or spicy ground Italian sausage based on your heat preference.
Is this recipe suitable for Whole30?
Yes, ensure to use homemade Italian sausage and sugar-free bacon.
What can I use instead of coconut milk?
If you prefer, you can use another creamy alternative such as heavy cream, but this will alter the flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the Zuppa Toscana?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and consume it within 3 months.
Conclusion
This Healthy Zuppa Toscana is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, providing a hearty meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying. With the combination of savory sausage, crispy bacon, and creamy coconut milk, this soup is perfect for warming you up on a chilly day. The addition of fresh kale and potatoes not only enhances the flavor but also packs in essential nutrients, making it a wholesome option for any dinner table.
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