Tuscana Soup(Better Than Olive Garden'S)
A hearty, creamy Italian sausage soup loaded with potatoes, kale, and aromatic herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the sausage links and brown them in a medium frying pan.
- Drain off the fat, then add and sauté the chopped onion and crushed garlic with the sausage.
- In a 5-quart soup pan, combine chicken broth, water, carrots, sausage, onion, garlic, and potatoes.
- Cook over medium heat until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash some of the potatoes in the soup, then add the milk.
- Add the chopped kale to the soup.
- Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the table cream.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded Romano cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. If kale isn't available, spinach works well too. For extra flavor, try adding Italian herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Remember, mashing some potatoes thickens the soup, creating a heartier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tuscana Soup hot, garnished with freshly shredded Romano cheese for a delightful finish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting Italian twist, consider serving it alongside Garlic Chicken And Pasta or a light appetizer like Spinach Rosito. The flavors complement each other perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to reach your desired consistency. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuscana Soup(Better Than Olive Garden'S) contains roughly 1148 calories, with 27g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (257% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (113% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 781mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
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 make this soup in advance?
Yes, Tuscana Soup can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, the flavors develop even more overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. Keep in mind, the potatoes may absorb some broth, so you might want to add a little extra liquid when reheating.
What can I use instead of kale?
If you're not a fan of kale, you can substitute it with Swiss chard or even spinach, which will wilt nicely in the soup. Both greens offer a similar texture and flavor profile, ensuring your soup remains delicious. Be sure to add them towards the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant color.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the sausage. Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture. You can also use plant-based sausage for a heartier option.
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).