why make this recipe
Crockpot Tuscan Soup is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a hearty and warming meal. It’s easy to make, and everything cooks together beautifully in the slow cooker. This soup packs bold flavors from the Italian sausage, fresh kale, and creamy broth, making it a dish your family will love. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious dinner without much effort!
how to make Crockpot Tuscan Soup
Ingredients:
- 375 grams Italian sausage meat (without casings, mild or spicy (¾ lb))
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1½ lbs Russet or gold potatoes (about 4 medium, peeled and diced)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- ¾ cup cream (10-30% will work fine)
- 2 cups chopped kale
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- In a large frying pan, brown the Italian sausage with the diced onion over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to your slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want extra spice.
- Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for about 2 hours. Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker.
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the kale, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed.
how to serve Crockpot Tuscan Soup
Serve the soup piping hot in bowls. You can top it with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad to complete your meal.
how to store Crockpot Tuscan Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
tips to make Crockpot Tuscan Soup
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream and kale.
- Try using turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- If you prefer more spice, add additional red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
variation
You can switch up the greens by using spinach or Swiss chard instead of kale. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or celery to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian version.
Can I use frozen kale?
Absolutely! You can add frozen kale directly to the slow cooker. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since it might take a bit longer to thaw.
What if I can’t find Italian sausage?
You can use any ground meat you prefer, like chicken or pork. Alternatively, you can use Italian seasoning to flavor regular ground meat if you can’t find sausage.
Crockpot Tuscan Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large frying pan, brown the Italian sausage with the diced onion over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to your slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want extra spice.
- Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for about 2 hours. Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker.
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the kale, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Serve the soup piping hot in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
