Zuppa Toscana for us. Here is my version of the Olive Garden Soup.
SOOOO EASY!
ZUPPA TOSCANA
A very yummy hearty soup that tastes like the real thing from The Olive Garden, only better! ENJOY!
From: The Kitchen of Liz Reiber
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35-40 mins
Difficulty: Easy
INGREDIENTS
4 Links Turkey Sausage, spicy or mild- casing removed
1 Medium Onion, finely diced
1 (6oz.) bag of Real Bacon Bits
1 Tablespoon of Minced Garlic
6- Medium Russet Potatoes, washed and NOT peeled and cut into medium thickness slices
4 Cups coarsely cut Kale (into small sized ribbons)
Salt & Pepper To Taste
½ Cup Water
½ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
6-8 Cups Chicken Broth
Red Peppers Flakes if you like more spice (optional)
Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese to Serve (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Put the ground turkey sausage in a heavy pan, and cook over medium heat until halfway cooked. Add ½ cup of water, the real bacon bits, the onion and the garlic. Cover and cook another 10 minutes over medium low heat or until completely cooked.
In a large stockpot, add the chicken broth and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low. Then, add your ingredients from the pan (turkey, onions, etc) to the stockpot. Cook for 10 minutes on medium and then add the kale. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer another 10 minutes.
Finally, remove a little of the potato from the pot, and place it in a bowl. Mash the potato together with the cream, and then add this mixture to the pot, mixing well.
Serve hot, offering a sprinkle of grated fresh parmesan cheese, if desired.