The Best Zuppa Toscana Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
  • 2 pounds ground Italian sausage
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
  • 2 cups turnips, peeled and cubed (or potatoes if not low-carb)
  • 32 ounces chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 5 cups kale, chopped very finely, tough stems removed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Parmesan (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon. Drain off all grease except 1 tablespoon.
  2. Add the ground Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, then drain off any excess grease.
  3. Pour in the broth, cubed turnips (or potatoes), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the broth to a boil, then cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes or until turnips or potatoes are tender.
  4. Remove the lid and stir in the chopped kale and heavy cream. Stir well until the cream is fully incorporated and the kale has wilted. Just before serving, stir in the cooked bacon and add Parmesan if desired.

Notes:

Instant Pot Instructions:

  1. Turn on the sauté function on the Instant Pot. Cook the chopped bacon until crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the pressure cooker. Drain off all the grease except 1 tablespoon.
  2. Add the ground Italian sausage. Brown and break up the sausage as it cooks. Once it is brown, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and sauté until soft. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the spices, cubed turnip, and broth. Secure the lid and pressure cook for 5 minutes. Allow it to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes.
  4. Remove the lid, add the chopped kale and heavy cream. Stir the soup well; the kale will wilt and cook through as you stir.
  5. Stir in the cooked, crumbled bacon and Parmesan if desired, just before serving.

 

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