Zuppa Toscana Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound spicy Italian ground sausage, use mild for kid-friendly
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ white onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 4-5 yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 cups chopped kale
• chopped bacon or bacon bits and grated parmesan cheese for topping, optional

Instructions

• In a large pot saute sausage 5-6 minutes until browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer sausage to a plate and set aside. 
• In the same pot, add butter and saute onions over medium heat until translucent. Add garlic and saute for another minute until fragrant. 
• Add chicken broth, water, potatoes, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Boil until potatoes are tender. Stir in kale, and heavy cream. Add sausage. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve garnished with grated parmesan cheese and/or bacon if desired. 

Notes

The sausage: if you have regular ground sausage, simply add 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning or Herbs de Provence + a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.