Description
Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Italy with this Tuscan Delight Soup. Perfect for those chilly evenings, this recipe combines the robust flavors of spicy Italian sausage with the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables and creamy broth. Loaded with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this soup is a comforting meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound raw spicy Italian sausage, casings removed if using links
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 cups (2 quarts) chicken broth
- 1 pound new potatoes, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or other white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 5 cups stemmed and chopped kale (about 5 ounces)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Put the spicy Italian sausage in the pot, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a spatula. Cook until the sausage is well browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove the sausage using a slotted spoon and set it aside, keeping the oil in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes mostly translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
3. Incorporate the Flour
Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it thoroughly coats the vegetables.
4. Add Liquids and Potatoes
Gradually add the chicken stock to the pot, stirring well and scraping the bottom to lift any stuck bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer before adding the diced potatoes and the rinsed white beans. Cover and simmer on low heat until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Add Kale and Cream
Stir in the chopped kale and continue to simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes, just until the kale is tender. Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half along with the cooked sausage. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: Approximately 6 servings
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store the soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup in the microwave, covering loosely, or on the stovetop over low heat until it’s steaming hot, stirring occasionally to promote even heating.
Conclusion
The Tuscan Delight Soup is a hearty, scrumptious dish that combines spicy, savory flavors with creamy textures and nutritious ingredients. It’s quick to make and wonderfully satisfying, whether served as a warming weeknight dinner or a special weekend feast. This delightful meal not only brings the essence of Tuscan cuisine to your table but also offers a comforting remedy to the brisk weather of soup season.
PrintTuscan Delight Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Italy with this Tuscan Delight Soup. Perfect for those chilly evenings, this recipe combines the robust flavors of spicy Italian sausage with the wholesome goodness of fresh vegetables and creamy broth. Loaded with nutrients and bursting with flavor, this soup is a comforting meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound raw spicy Italian sausage, casings removed if using links
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 cups (2 quarts) chicken broth
- 1 pound new potatoes, diced
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini or other white beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 5 cups stemmed and chopped kale (about 5 ounces)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. Put the spicy Italian sausage in the pot, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a spatula. Cook until the sausage is well browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove the sausage using a slotted spoon and set it aside, keeping the oil in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes mostly translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
- Incorporate the Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it thoroughly coats the vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Potatoes: Gradually add the chicken stock to the pot, stirring well and scraping the bottom to lift any stuck bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer before adding the diced potatoes and the rinsed white beans. Cover and simmer on low heat until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add Kale and Cream: Stir in the chopped kale and continue to simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes, just until the kale is tender. Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half along with the cooked sausage. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes