Zuppa Toscana Soup

I have a super delicious soup recipe for you all today! I made this the first time a few months ago, before I even know about my gluten issue and it just so happens that it's naturally gluten free! No substitutions needed (sigh of relief). This is a really easy and hearty soup with just the right amount of spice (although the husband always says it could use more...he has a spicy palette). If you've never cooked with kale before don't be scared. It's a wonderful vitamin packed leafy green and provides a great texture to this soup. If you can't find kale you could easily substitue spinach...just don't add it until the last few minutes because it wilts much faster than kale. Also, you could probably make a meatless version of this soup using vegetable broth and adding white beans in place of the sausage. Hope you all enjoy it!

What you need

- 1 lb chicken sausage, casings removed (I got sun dried tomato and basil flavored but anything would be good)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 C white wine
- 3 C chicken broth
- 2 1/2 C water
- 2 C chopped kale
- 5 small red potatoes, cut in bite sized pieces
- 1 C heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste

Directions


- Heat a large stockpot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks

- When the sausage is cooked, remove it with a slotted spoon to a towel lined plate to drain

- Add 1 T olive oil to the pan and add the chopped onion. Cook 5-7 minutes

- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1-2 minutes or until fragrant

- Add 1/2 C white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all the yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Flavor, flavor, flavor!

- Add the chicken broth, water, potatoes, kale and the cooked sausage. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes

- After simmer, add 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine

- Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a palmful and go from there. Don't be afraid of the salt, the potatoes need it! I added kosher salt and seasoned salt and fresh cracked pepper

- That's it! Sprinkle a bit of parmesan cheese on top if you have it and enjoy!

The husband approves!

Jon and I are off to St. Augustine for the next couple of days. Hope you all have a wonderful gluten free weekend!