If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort, this Best Recipe for Zuppa Toscana Soup is here to warm you up! This classic Italian soup is loaded with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, all in a creamy, flavorful broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Perfect for cozy nights and family dinners, this soup will quickly become a favorite. Ready to make the best Zuppa Toscana you’ve ever tasted? Let’s get cooking!
Contents
Why Make Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Rich and Creamy: This soup features a creamy broth that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Hearty and Flavorful: Loaded with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and fresh kale, each spoonful is packed with flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a family dinner, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
Recipe Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used to sauté the ingredients, adding a rich, fruity flavor and a smooth texture to the soup.
- Ground Pork: Provides a hearty, savory base with a rich and flavorful taste, making the soup filling and satisfying.
- Fennel Seed: Adds a sweet, anise-like flavor that complements the pork and enhances the overall depth of the soup.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a subtle heat and spiciness, balancing the flavors and adding a bit of kick.
- Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet smokiness and a vibrant color to the soup.
- Black Pepper: Provides a gentle heat and a touch of earthiness, enhancing the other spices.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a robust, savory flavor, enriching the taste of the broth and pork.
- Onion Powder: Adds a sweet and savory depth, complementing the garlic and other spices.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that adds an aromatic, savory note to the soup.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the soup is well-seasoned and balanced.
- Garlic Cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds a sharp, pungent flavor that infuses the broth with a robust and savory depth.
- Chicken Stock: Forms the base of the soup, providing a rich and savory liquid that enhances all the ingredients.
- Radishes, peeled and halved: Add a slight peppery bite and a tender texture once cooked, offering a low-carb alternative to potatoes.
- Tops from a farmer’s market bushel of Ramps (or low-carb leafy greens): Adds a fresh, slightly garlicky flavor and a bright green color, enhancing the nutritional value and flavor of the soup.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides a rich, creamy texture and a slight sweetness, making the soup smooth and luxurious.
How To Make Zuppa Toscana Soup
Step One: In a mixing bowl, knead the seasonings into the ground pork. Set the Instant Pot to the “sauté” setting. Add the seasoned ground pork to it.
Step Two: Cook until browned. Do not drain the fat, as it adds flavor to the soup. Add minced garlic to the browned meat and continue to sauté for an additional minute to enhance the flavor.
Step Three: Add the radishes and stock to the Instant Pot. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Step Four: Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 10 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. Then, very carefully, manually release any remaining pressure.
Step Five: Once it is safe to open the lid, slowly stir in the whipping cream and ramp greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six: Serve the Zuppa Toscana Soup warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Cooking Zuppa Toscana
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ramps, onion, and garlic will give the comforting soup a vibrant flavor. Also, choose good quality Italian sausage for the best taste.
- Sauté Sausage and Onions: Start by sautéing your sausage and onions directly in the Instant Pot to build layers of flavor.
- Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing, deglaze the pot with a little broth to scrape up any browned bits, which adds more flavor to the soup.
- Don’t Overcook the ramps: Add the ramps after pressure cooking, just before serving. This keeps it bright and slightly crisp, adding texture to the soup.
Optional Variations for This Ramp Soup
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground pork with plant-based alternatives, such as crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage, for a meatless version.
- Kale Powerhouse: Swap radishes for kale leaves to add a nutritious leafy green element, boosting the soup’s fiber and vitamin content.
- Spicy Sausage Kick: Opt for hot Italian sausage to intensify the heat, giving the soup a zesty and flavorful twist.
- Cauliflower Comfort: Substitute radishes with cauliflower florets for a different low-carb alternative while maintaining a satisfying texture.
- Bacon Bliss: Enhance smokiness by adding crumbled bacon as a topping, infusing the soup with a savory and crispy element.
- Parmesan Perfection: Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy and cheesy flavor enhancement.
How to Store Leftover Zuppa Toscana
- Cool the Soup: First, let the soup cool to room temperature after cooking. Avoid leaving it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth and food spoilage.
- Transfer the Soup: After your soup has cooled, store it in airtight glass containers. They don’t absorb smells and are easier to clean compared to plastic ones.
- Refrigerate: If you plan on consuming the leftovers within the next 3-4 days, storing them in the refrigerator is the best option. This will keep the soup fresh and safe to eat.
- Freeze the Soup: For longer-term storage, freezing the soup is a great solution. Just remember to leave about an inch of space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Zuppa Toscana
- Reheat the Soup: To enjoy your soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen. Then, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until thoroughly heated.
- Note on Texture Changes: Creamy soups like Zuppa Toscana may have a slightly different texture after freezing and thawing, but the taste remains largely unchanged.
What To Serve With Zuppa Toscana?
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm slices of garlic bread alongside the soup for a comforting and indulgent addition. The garlic-infused bread pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of the soup.
- Caesar Salad: Toss crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and homemade croutons. The crisp and tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy soup.
- Bruschetta: Toast slices of baguette and top them with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. The fresh and vibrant flavors of the bruschetta complement the rustic Italian flavors of the soup.
- Antipasto Platter: Arrange a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, olives, roasted vegetables, and breadsticks on a platter for a flavorful and satisfying side dish. The assortment of flavors and textures provides a delightful accompaniment to the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and zucchini tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs. The caramelized sweetness of the roasted vegetables adds depth and complexity to the meal.
FAQ’S
Can I Use Kale Instead Of Ramps In This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ramp greens with kale. Add the kale after pressure cooking, just like the ramp greens, to maintain its texture and flavor.
How Do I Make The Soup Thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can mash some of the cooked radishes with a fork and stir them back into the soup. Alternatively, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water after pressure cooking and let it simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy Free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy whipping cream. This will still give the soup a rich, creamy texture.
Can I Use a Different Type of Sausage in Zuppa Toscana?
Yes, you can experiment with various sausages, such as spicy or mild Italian sausage or chorizo, to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Can I Make Zuppa Toscana Ahead of Time?
Yes, Zuppa Toscana can be made ahead of time and reheated. However, for optimal texture, it’s recommended to add leafy greens, like kale or spinach, just before serving.
Can I Freeze Zuppa Toscana?
While the soup can be frozen, it’s best to leave out ingredients like potatoes and dairy, adding them after reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
How Can I Make Zuppa Toscana Spicy?
To add heat, include crushed red pepper flakes or opt for spicy Italian sausage. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Soup?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Chicken Stock?
Yes, chicken broth can be used in place of chicken stock in Zuppa Toscana. Both bring a different depth of flavor, but the soup will still be delicious. You can also use vegetable broth if you do not want to use chicken.
Can I Use Coconut Milk Instead of Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can use regular full fat coconut milk, canned coconut milk or even coconut cream as a substitute for heavy cream.
Coconut milk adds a creamy texture to dishes and is a great dairy-free alternative, although it may impart a slight coconut flavor.
Are Tuscan Soup and Zuppa Toscana Soup the Same?
Yes, Tuscan Soup and Zuppa Toscana are the same. Zuppa Toscana translates to Italian and is a popular dish in Olive Garden restaurants.
Recipe For Zuppa Toscana Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Pork
- 1 teaspoon Fennel Seed
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 4 cups Chicken Stock
- 1 pound Radishes peeled and halved
- Ramps chopped into 1 inch pieces (can substitute with 2-3 cups of your choice of low carb leafy greens)
- 1 cup Heaving Whipping Cream
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, knead the seasonings into the ground pork.
- Set the Instant Pot to the “sauté” setting. Add the seasoned ground pork and cook until browned. Do not drain the fat, as it adds flavor to the soup.
- Add minced garlic to the browned meat and continue to sauté for an additional minute to enhance the flavor.
- Add the radishes and stock to the Instant Pot. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Lock the lid in place and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” on high for 10 minutes.
- Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. Then, very carefully, manually release any remaining pressure.
- Once it is safe to open the lid, slowly stir in the whipping cream and ramp greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the Zuppa Toscana Soup warm and enjoy!
