Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes. This creamy soup is enhanced with the addition of fresh kale and a touch of fennel, making it a delicious meal perfect for any day of the week. Serve it with a sprinkle of Romano cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed if necessary)
• 4 oz bacon (about 4 slices), diced
• 1 cup of finely chopped yellow onion (approximately one small onion)
• 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1.5 pounds of russet potatoes, cut into 1/6-inch thick slices
• 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed (optional)
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• 2 cups half and half
• 1 1/2 cups packed chopped kale
• Optional: finely grated Romano cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage and Bacon:
o Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
o Cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, until it is browned and fully cooked. Take the sausage out of the pot and put it aside.
o In the same pot, add diced bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pot. - Sauté the Onion:
o Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté in the rendered bacon fat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. - Add Broth and Potatoes:
o Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.
o Take the sausage out of the pot and put it aside. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. - Add Cream and Kale:
o Stir in the half and half, cooked sausage, and bacon.
o Add the chopped kale and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and tender. - Serve:
o Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
o Garnish with finely shredded Romano cheese, if desired.
Conclusion
Tuscan Sausage and Potato Soup is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. The combination of savory sausage, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and fresh kale in a creamy broth makes this soup a perfect comfort food. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with a crusty piece of bread for a complete meal.