Description
A hearty and creamy Crockpot Zuppa Toscana soup featuring Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting meal that's perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 375 grams Italian sausage meat (without casings, mild or spicy, about ¾ lb)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Soup
- 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)
- ¾ cup cream (10-30% fat works fine)
- 2 cups chopped kale
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Onion: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage meat along with the finely diced onion for about 4-5 minutes until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release the garlic's aroma.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned sausage mixture to a 4-6 quart 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.
- Cook the Soup: Set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 4-5 hours, or alternatively, cook on High for about 2 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model. The soup is ready when the potatoes are tender.
- Add Kale, Cream, and Parmesan: Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the chopped kale, cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For added spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- You can substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference.
- The cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- For gluten-free, ensure the Italian sausage is gluten-free.
