Description
This comforting Crockpot Zuppa Toscana recipe combines savory Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and nutritious kale in a creamy broth, perfect for an easy and hearty meal prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 375 grams Italian sausage meat (without casings, mild or spicy, approx. ¾ lb)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Soup Base and Veggies
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1½ lbs Russet or gold potatoes (about 4 medium, peeled and diced)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Finishing Ingredients
- ¾ cup cream (10-30% fat will work fine)
- 2 cups chopped kale
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Onion: In a large frying pan, cook the Italian sausage and finely diced onion over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to release the garlic's flavors.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked sausage mixture to the slow cooker. Add the low sodium chicken broth, peeled and diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for approximately 2 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker model. The potatoes should be tender when done.
- Add Kale, Cream, and Parmesan: Once the potatoes are fully cooked and tender, stir in the chopped kale, cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix well and allow the kale to wilt and the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra spice. Serve hot for a cozy and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- If you want a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or mash some of the potatoes before adding the kale and cream.
- Use mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference.
- Substitute cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Make sure to peel and dice the potatoes uniformly for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
