Zuppa Toscano

#### Instructions:

**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.

**Step 2: Brown the Sausage**
1. In the same pot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Once the sausage is browned, remove any excess fat from the pot.

**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**
1. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

**Step 4: Add Potatoes and Broth**
1. Add the sliced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

**Step 5: Add Kale and Cream**
1. Once the potatoes are cooked through, stir in the chopped kale and let it wilt down, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.

**Step 6: Finish and Serve**
1. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the crispy bacon you set aside earlier, reserving a bit for garnish if desired.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added burst of flavor.

**Step 7: Enjoy**
1. Enjoy your hearty, creamy Zuppa Toscana with some crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

### Tips for the Perfect Zuppa Toscana

– **Sausage Options**: Use Italian sausage that suits your flavor preference—mild sausage is a classic choice, but spicy sausage adds a nice kick to the soup. You can also use turkey sausage for a lighter version.

– **Kale Substitutes**: If you’re not a fan of kale, you can use other greens such as spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for softer greens like spinach.

– **Adjust the Cream**: For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with half-and-half or milk. If you want a richer, creamier soup, feel free to add more cream.

– **Add More Vegetables**: While the recipe is simple, you can boost the nutrition by adding more vegetables like carrots or celery. Just sauté them with the onions for extra flavor.

– **Make it Spicy**: If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or even a few fresh chopped chilies to give the soup an extra kick.

– **Freezer-Friendly**: Zuppa Toscana makes a great freezer meal! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers for storage. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if necessary to bring it back to the right consistency.

### Conclusion

**Zuppa Toscana** is the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender sausage, creamy broth, and hearty kale or other greens makes this soup both filling and satisfying. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a dish that’s as approachable as it is delicious.

Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter evening or serving it to guests at a dinner party, Zuppa Toscana is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to dive into a bowl of this Italian-inspired comfort food that’s rich in flavor, warmth, and love!