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A bowl of zuppa toscana

Easy Zuppa Toscana (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)


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5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Felicia Lim
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana soup is hearty and comforting, and is perfect comfort food for the colder months. Serve this flavorful Italian-inspired soup with toasted garlic bread for a main dish, or as an appetizer. Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Instructions

  1. Cook Sausage: Heat up 1 tablespoon of oil a large skillet and cook the ground Italian sausage, breaking up any large pieces with a spatula. Stir to cook evenly. Remove from heat after 7-8 minutes.
  2. Fry Onions: In a large saucepan or medium pot, sauté the diced onion in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil for 3-4 minutes, then add the garlic and fry for 1 more minute.
  3. Add Broth, Cream, Potatoes, Spices & Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, dairy-free cream, diced potatoes, salt, ground pepper and dried herbs. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low and simmering for 20 minutes. (Note: If the liquid has dried up too much, add an additional ½ cup to 1 cup of water.
  4. Test Potatoes for Tenderness: Check the potatoes for tenderness.
  5. Add Sausage and Kale: Add the browned sausage and kale, cook for another 5 minutes and turn off the heat.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fried bacon bits, dairy-free parmesan and herbs (optional) before serving.

Notes

Italian Sausage: Since ‘Zuppa Toscana‘ literally means Tuscan soup, we’re using Italian pork sausage to emphasize the Italian inspiration for this soup. However, if you don’t have Italian sausage, feel free to use whichever type of pork sausage your have on hand.

Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but go ahead and use another type of vegetable oil if you prefer (such as sunflower oil, canola oil, avocado oil, etc.).

Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth or chicken stock will work. I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth as the Italian sausage is already very flavorful, and you can always add more salt according to taste later.

Veggies: The main vegetables used for traditional Zuppa Toscana include onions (white onions or red onions will work), garlic, potatoes and kale, so make sure you add them in.

Cream: I used dairy-free heavy cream to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular heavy cream instead.

Dried Herbs: I used a mix of dried herbs (including dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme). However, feel free to use other types of dried herbs you enjoy, such as rosemary, etc.

Storing: To store, place the leftover Zuppa Toscana in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over the stovetop until hot before serving.

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Category: Soups
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Western