Toscana Soup
A hearty, creamy soup with spicy sausage, tender potatoes, and kale, perfect for comforting meals and packed with robust flavors for cold days or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chicken stock and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Slice the unpeeled potato into 1/4 inch thick slices and add to the soup.
- Add chopped kale to the soup.
- Saute the spicy Italian sausage until browned.
- Cool the cooked sausage, then cut it into slices about 1/4 inch thick at an angle.
- Add sausage slices to the soup.
- Add salt and red pepper flakes to the soup.
- Let the soup simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup after simmering. If kale isn’t available, spinach can be used as a substitute. To make it lighter, you can reduce the heavy cream or use half-and-half. If you prefer a milder flavor, swap the spicy Italian sausage for a sweet variety. Always taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Toscana soup hot, garnished with additional red pepper flakes for extra heat. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken Divan (Great For Lots Of People). This comforting soup is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Toscana soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if it thickens too much. This soup does not freeze well due to the cream and potatoes, which can change texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Toscana Soup contains roughly 934 calories, with 27g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (203% of the Daily Value), potassium (79% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock to make the soup vegetarian-friendly. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To increase the spiciness, you can add more red pepper flakes or incorporate some diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your preference, but start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make Toscana soup dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. Ensure that the sausage you use is also dairy-free. This will maintain the richness of the soup while accommodating dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).