Zuppa Tuscana Soup well sort of...

 This soup is my husband Michael's favorite 

and I knew that I was going to have to try to make it.  Since I do not work for Olive Garden nor do I have their recipe I thought this might be difficult to do.  However...

It actually was pretty easy to make.  Below you will find the recipe.  The family enjoyed it so much they had seconds after scouts tonight!

1 lb Italian Sausage (I suggest mixing hot and mild)
5-7 slices of bacon
5 medium russet potatoes 
2 c kale, chopped
1 c heavy whipping cream
1 qt water 
2 cans of chicken broth
1/2 large onion
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper 

Cook your sausage and bacon.  You can do it in a pan, oven or microwave.  Crumble into small pieces.  Notice I said "small" here.  I did not separate mine well and had large chunks.

 Now you can slice your potatoes.  I used a food processor.  You will want them between 1/8" and 1/4".   Just make sure they are all around the same size so that they will cook evenly.

Dice up the onion and mince the garlic.  throw the potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth and water into a large pot on medium heat until the potatoes are cooked through.


You want to cut up your Kale into bite sized pieces.  Again... here is where I went wrong.  I know nothing about Kale.  Never cooked with it before.  I assumed it would soften and separate a bit but it does not.  It holds up well is soups with the heat so make sure your pieces are truly bite sized!


Add the sausage, bacon, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.  Simmer for about 10 minutes.


The potatoes will start to break up about this time.  That is OK.  That's what you want them to do!


Turn the heat to low and add in the kale and heavy cream.  Let the soup heat through and serve.  Parmesan cheese is a wonderful addition.  I also served mine with Stone Ground Wheat bread that I made.  You could use lots of different breads or rolls for this soup.  It is a perfect soup for dipping!


I let my soup simmer all afternoon and it was wonderful at dinner.  In fact we ate an hour earlier because the house smelled so good.  I hope your family enjoys it as well as mine did!

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