- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks. Remove any excess fat.
- Saute Onions and Garlic:
- Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes and Chicken Broth:
- Stir in the sliced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Season and Add Kale:
- Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chopped kale to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender.
- Stir in Heavy Cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir the soup. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Zuppa Toscana into bowls. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Zuppa Toscana soup hot and enjoy your delicious and hearty Italian soup!
This soup is a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a cozy evening. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking by adjusting the level of spice, creaminess, or substituting ingredients based on your preferences.