Here is a simplified recipe for Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana:
Ingredients:
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- 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices or diced if preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2-3 cups chopped kale (or spinach if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for additional heat)
- Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Cook the Sausage and Bacon:
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- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add the sausage to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables:
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- Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onions start to become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Base:
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- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
Combine Ingredients:
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- Once the potatoes are nearly cooked, return the cooked bacon to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Do not boil after adding the cream to avoid curdling.
Add Kale:
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- Add the chopped kale to the soup. Cook until the kale is wilted but still vibrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Season and Serve:
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- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes:
If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
This recipe captures the essence of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana with its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and a bit of spice.
Enjoy!
