Zuppa Toscana - Olive Garden Copycat
2-3 servings | 8 servings (~450 cal per serving)
1.5 oz | 6 oz bacon chopped
0.25 lb | 1 lb Italian Sausage The "Hot" variety
1 medium head garlic 10 large cloves, peeled and minced or pressed
¼ | 1 medium onion finely diced
1 cup | 4 cups chicken broth/stock (32 oz) (needs more broth; add at least 1/2 - 3/4 cup water/broth to 2 serving size)
1.5 cups | 6 cups water (48 oz)
1 | 5 medium russet potatoes peeled and chopped into 1/4" thick pieces
1.5 cup | 1 kale bundle leaves stripped and chopped (6 cups)
0.25 cup | 1 cup whipping cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese to serve optional
In a large pot or dutch oven (5.5 qt), over medium-high heat, add chopped bacon and sauté until browned (5-7 mins). Remove bacon to a paper-towel lined plate and spoon out excess oil, leaving about 1 Tbsp oil in the pot.
Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spatula and sauté until cooked through (5 min). Remove to paper towel lined plate.
Finely dice onion and add to the pot. Saute 5 min or until soft and golden then add minced garlic and saute 1 min.
Add 4 cups broth and 6 cups water, and bring to boil. Add diced potatoes and kale and cook 13-14 min or until easily pierced with a fork.
When potatoes nearly done, add cooked sausage and bring everything to a light boil.
Stir in 1 cup cream and bring to boil. Season to taste with salt and black pepper then remove from heat. Garnish with bacon and grated parmesan.