carmen waller
Zuppa Toscana is a hearty and flavorful soup, famously known as an Olive Garden copycat recipe. This Italian-inspired soup is a comforting blend of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and earthy kale, all simmered in a rich and creamy broth.
To start, ground Italian sausage is browned to perfection, imparting its robust and seasoned flavors to the dish. The sausage is often chosen for its blend of herbs and spices, adding a depth of taste that characterizes the soup. Once the sausage is cooked, diced onions and minced garlic are sautéed until fragrant, contributing aromatic layers to the base of the soup.
The heartiness of Zuppa Toscana comes from the addition of sliced potatoes, which simmer until fork-tender. These starchy elements not only thicken the broth but also provide a satisfying texture to each spoonful. To enhance the soup’s nutritional profile and add a touch of freshness, chopped kale is introduced towards the end of the cooking process. The kale wilts slightly, offering a vibrant green color and a subtle bitterness that balances the richness of the broth.
Speaking of the broth, it’s a crucial element in Zuppa Toscana. Typically, a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream is used, creating a luscious and velvety base. The marriage of the savory broth with the creaminess from the dairy is what elevates this soup to a truly indulgent experience.
