Zuppa Toscana

  

   The best way to enjoy kale is of course in a hearty soup of potatoes! Zuppa Toscana is an Italian soup, consisting of hearty ingredients such as russet potatoes, Italian sausage, kale, and bacon. These ingredients come together in a rich and creamy broth made up of chicken stock and heavy whipping cream. Easily whipped up on the stovetop or converted to a slow cooker. What better way to enjoy the cooler weather or just bring the family together after a long day?
   A family favorite in our home, I usually triple the recipe for our family of five and never worry about leftovers. If you do happen to have more self-control than us, this soup reheats well in the coming days. We usually pair this with a toasted "Everything" loaf and a decked-out salad, however; this could very easily be a side to a pasta dish!
   Go ahead whip this up! Fill your bellies! Then tell your friends about it by sharing!


Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 6 oz of  chopped and cooked bacon
• 5 russet potatoes
• one large onion
• Italian seasoning
• salt & pepper
• 2 Tbsp minced garlic
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tsp flour/cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Brown the Italian sausage in the soup pot
2. Drain and rinse sausage (this will keep the soup from separating at the top)
3. Return the sausage to the pot over medium heat.
4. Add your chopped onion, garlic, and seasonings.
5. Cook until onions are clear and aromatic.
6. Add your peeled and diced potatoes.
7. Cover the potatoes with your chicken broth and water and cook until the potatoes are tender. About 20 or so min.
8. Take your flour/cornstarch and add just enough water for it to form a paste. Add the paste to the soup and allow to simmer on low for 10 minutes.
9. Add your chopped kale, cooked bacon, and heavy whipping cream.
10. Give it all a good stir and serve warm!

   It doesn't get any easier than this. A delicious soup that has it all! I've already ruined my family for any other soup with THIS recipe. Try it yourself. Tweak it. Tell me about it!