In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground sweet Italian sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color, which indicates it’s nicely caramelized. Once browned, drain any excess fat, keeping just enough to add flavor to the soup.
Add the diced sweet onion to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and softens. The smell will be heavenly, filling your kitchen with a savory aroma.
Next, toss in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. You’ll notice a delightful fragrance that adds warmth to your dish.
Once the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to incorporate the sliced baking potatoes into the pot. Stir them well with the sausage mixture, allowing the potatoes to absorb all the flavors.
Pour in the chicken broth and water and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. This step allows the potatoes to cook through, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, ensuring the potatoes don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
When the potatoes are tender, add in the heavy cream and chopped kale. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, letting the kale wilt into the soup. You’ll see the soup transform into a creamy, vibrant masterpiece.
At this point, taste your Zuppa Toscana and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember, the flavors will deepen as it sits, so don’t be afraid to adjust to your liking.
Once finished, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This pause allows the flavors to settle and meld together beautifully.
Scoop generous portions of your Zuppa Toscana into bowls, garnishing with extra kale or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your delicious creation!
