Slotted spoons don't hold much soup...

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods


Mario and I frequently have lunch dates. They are much easier to arrange than a dinner date, and I like the chance to catch up with him between my classes. One of our favorites is the unlimited soup, salad and breadstick lunch at Olive Garden. It's light, fast and cheap. All the makings of a hot date, right?

My favorite soup, hands down, is the Zuppa Toscana. The name aside, it always hits the spot. But I don't want to have to frequent Olive Garden to enjoy it. So I took to the internet and found this copycat recipe.

Holy moly is this soup good. I first made it a couple weeks ago and brought the leftovers to a potluck the next day. It went over like gangbusters. Several people said it was better than the original restaurant version. I can't say I disagree. Did I mention it is even better the second day?

Homemade Zuppa Toscana

Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild and sweet are both good)
2 large russet baking potatoes, sliced in half, and then in 1/4 inch slices
1 large onion, sliced or chopped
1/4-1/2 cup of bacon, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups fresh kale, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 quart water
1 cup heavy whipping cream (Silk soy creamer is also good)

Directions:
  1. Remove sausage from casings (if necessary) and brown in a large pot, crumbling it as it cooks.
  2. Add the chicken broth and water and simmer over medium heat.
  3. In a separate pot, combine potatoes, onion and garlic. Cover and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
  4. Once cooked, add the potato, onion and garlic mixture to the sausage pot and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low and add the cream, bacon, and kale. Salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Heat through and serve.
Again, adapted from this recipe.

This recipe is so simple, requires few ingredients and is off the hook delicious. I could eat it every day, and nearly have. I polished off the leftovers last night, so it may be time for another batch.  Enjoy!

11 comments :

  1. A slotted spoon CAN catch the potato...

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  2. Yum!! I made their pasta e fagioli and it was amazing! :)

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  3. Wow, that looks great. My husband likes this soup at OG. I almost always have minestrone myself.

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  4. It looks and sounds delicious!

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    Replies
    1. It is! I haven't loved a new recipe this much in a long time.

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  5. Pinned!! This looks AMAZING!

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  6. yum! i am definitely pinning and making.

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  7. I met your husband today through work and he told me about your blog. My son has a Sensory Processing
    Disorder and language delay...and Mario thought I might enjoy reading your blog. From the first post I know I will! I love this soup!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lindsey! Great to hear from you! Mario is the best advertisement for my blog. :) We should exchange emails!

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