This hearty and comforting Tuscan Sausage Potato Soup is a perfect blend of Italian flavors, rich creaminess, and tender potatoes. The dish is deeply rooted in Tuscan cuisine, where hearty soups are a staple during the colder months. The Italian sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy kick, while the kale or spinach provides a burst of freshness. This soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The addition of heavy cream gives the soup a luxurious and creamy texture that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian Sausage, casing removed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 6 medium russet potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: Warm a Dutch oven or 6-quart pot over medium-high heat. Once you can feel the heat when you hold your hand 6 inches above the pot, crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the sausage as desired, until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the sausage drippings from the pan.

2. Prepare the Potatoes: Add the chicken broth, diced potatoes, salt, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

3. Mash and Thicken: Use a slotted spoon to remove 1 cup of potatoes from the pot and place them in a bowl. Mash the potatoes and pour them back into the pot; this will help thicken the soup.

4. Add Kale or Spinach: Add the chopped kale or spinach to the soup and stir to combine. Continue cooking the soup until the kale is wilted and tender, about 3 more minutes.

5. Add Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Top Tips

1. Use High-Quality Sausage: Choose a good-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Potatoes should be tender but still hold their shape. Overcooking can make them mushy.
3. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
4. Add Other Greens: While kale or spinach are traditional choices, you can also use other leafy greens like collard greens or Swiss chard.
5. Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Reheat gently before serving.
6. Experiment with Herbs: Add some fresh herbs like basil or thyme to give the soup an extra layer of flavor.

Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers for an extra kick of heat.
2. Creamy Broccoli Soup: Add steamed broccoli florets to the soup along with some grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Tomato-Based Soup: Add canned diced tomatoes for a tomato-based soup with sausage and potatoes.
4. Vegan Version: Replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk alternative and use vegan sausage for a plant-based version.
5. Smoked Sausage: Use smoked Italian sausage for a smoky flavor profile.

Nutritional Guide

Additional Nutritional Notes: This soup is a balanced meal with a good mix of protein from the sausage, complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, and healthy fats from the heavy cream. The kale or spinach adds a boost of vitamins and minerals. For a healthier version, consider using low-sodium broth and reducing the amount of heavy cream.