Best 3 Zuppa Toscana Better Than Olive Garden Recipes

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Zuppa Toscana, a hearty and flavorful Italian soup, is a delightful blend of Italian sausage, kale, potatoes, and beans, simmered in a creamy broth. Its origins can be traced back to the beautiful countryside of Tuscany, where it is traditionally prepared during the colder months. This popular soup is known for its comforting warmth and enticing aroma, making it a favorite among soup enthusiasts. In this article, we present three delectable variations of Zuppa Toscana, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. From a traditional version that stays true to its Tuscan roots to a vegetarian rendition bursting with fresh vegetables and a slow-cooker adaptation perfect for busy weeknights, these recipes cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the flavors of Zuppa Toscana and discover the secrets behind its comforting goodness.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BETTER THAN OLIVE GARDEN'S ZUPPA TOSCANA



Better Than Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana image

This is the BEST tasting soup I have ever had. If you want a savory soup that is full of flavor and light on the calories, this is it! You'll never want regular potato soup again!

Provided by Jeremiah Comer

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 gallons, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
4 -6 russet potatoes, diced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup real bacon piece
10 cups water, divided
7 teaspoons organic better than bouillon chicken base
1 bunch fresh kale, stemmed and torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper
shredded pecorino romano cheese (optional) or parmesan cheese (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large pot on medium-high heat add the ground sausage and crushed red pepper flakes. Using a spatula, break up the sausage until it is fully cooked through. Pour the cooked sausage into a large bowl and set aside.
  • In the same pot add the olive oil, chopped onion, and real bacon pieces until the onions become translucent and begin to brown (about 10 minutes). Add garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  • Add 2 cups of water to the pot and stir well to get all the sweet onion flavor from the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken concentrate and stir to combine. Add the remaining 8 cups of water.
  • Add potatoes and cook until fork tender. You may wish to add more salt, but be careful because the chicken base is very salty. Taste for saltiness after each addition.
  • After the potatoes are done, add the cooked sausage back into the soup. Skim off most of the fat from the sausage that floats onto the surface using a large spoon.
  • Add the fresh kale and stir in to allow the leaves to soften slightly. It will seem like too much, but it will cook down with time.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir.
  • Add freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
  • Garnish each serving with shredded parmesan or pecorino romano cheese, if desired.

ZUPPA TOSCANA (BETTER THAN OLIVE GARDEN)



ZUPPA TOSCANA (BETTER THAN OLIVE GARDEN) image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Sausage

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb. Italian sausages (use spicy to get that signature Olive Garden flavor)
4-6 russet potatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/4 c. REAL bacon pieces (optional)
2 Tbsp minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
32 oz. chicken broth
1 c. kale or Swiss chard, chopped
1 c. heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp flour

Steps:

  • 1. Brown sausage links in a sauté pan. 2. Cut links in half lengthwise, then cut slices. 3. Place sausage, chicken broth, garlic, potatoes and onion in slow cooker. Add just enough water to cover the vegetables and meat. 4. Cook on high 3-4 hours (low 5-6 hours) until potatoes are soft. 30 minutes before serving: 5. Mix flour into cream removing lumps. 6. Add cream, kale, and bacon to the crock pot, stir. 7. Cook on high 30 minutes or until broth thickens slightly. 8. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste. BEST. SOUP. EVER!!!!

BETTER THAN OLIVE GARDEN ZUPPA TOSCANA RECIPE - (4.5/5)



Better than Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by BobN

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 pound Italian sausages (use spicy to get that signature Olive Garden flavor)
4 to 6 russet potatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup real bacon pieces (optional)
2 tablespoons garlic, minced, about 3 to 4 cloves
32 ounces chicken broth
1 cup kale or Swiss chard, chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons flour

Steps:

  • Brown sausage links in a sauté pan. Cut links in half lengthwise, then cut slices. Place sausage, chicken broth, garlic, potatoes and onion in slow cooker. Add just enough water to cover the vegetables and meat. Cook on high 3-4 hours (low 5-6 hours) until potatoes are soft. 30 minutes before serving: Mix flour into cream removing lumps. Add cream and kale to the crock pot, stir. Cook on high 30 minutes or until broth thickens slightly. Add salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste. Serve hot.

Tips:

  • Choose the right sausage: Use a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you can't find Italian sausage, you can use another type of sausage, such as breakfast sausage or chorizo.
  • Brown the sausage properly: Browning the sausage gives it a richer flavor. Make sure to brown it over medium heat so that it doesn't burn.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot: If you overcrowd the pot, the sausage and vegetables won't cook evenly. Cook the sausage and vegetables in batches if necessary.
  • Use fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables will give your soup the best flavor. If you can't find fresh vegetables, you can use frozen vegetables instead.
  • Season the soup to taste: Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as oregano, rosemary, or thyme.
  • Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers: Zuppa Toscana is traditionally served with crusty bread or crackers. This helps to soak up the delicious broth.

Conclusion:

Zuppa Toscana is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, vegetarian or with meat, there's a Zuppa Toscana recipe that's perfect for you. So next time you're looking for a warm and comforting soup, give Zuppa Toscana a try. You won't be disappointed!

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