Zuppa Toscana

We have a wonderful place to eat here in the U.S. called Olive Garden.  They are famous for their wonderful Italian soups, salads, and pasta dishes. My favorite soup is Zuppa Toscana.  It is made with Italian sausage and kale in a light cream base.  I make this soup regularly because it is so good and I try to impress people with my cooking skills. LOL!  Anyway, try this one.  It is very easy and tastes wonderful. 

Zuppa Toscana

Ingredients:

1 lb mild or spicy Italian sausage, crumpled

1 onion, chopped

1 tbs ghee, optional

2 quarts of water, more water if needed

2 chicken bouillon cubes

2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

3-4 garlic cloves

Salt/pepper to taste

3-4 cups of chopped kale or Swiss chard

1 cup of heavy whipping cream or milk

A dash of red pepper flakes

1 tbs corn starch, optional

In a soup pot over medium heat add the Italian sausage and brown, breaking into small pieces. Next add the onion and the garlic, cook until the onion is translucent.  Add the water and the bouillon cubes.  If you don’t like using bouillon cubes you can use canned chicken stock instead(2-14.5 oz cans).  Then add the kale and potatoes.  Simmer until the potatoes are tender.  Finally, add the cream or milk.  To make the soup thicker mix the corn starch to a small amount of water and add to the soup.  Serve with crispy bread and a salad. Enjoy!