If youβre looking for a comforting dish that fits perfectly within your low-carb lifestyle, look no further than keto zuppa toscana soup. This Italian-inspired soup is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Made with fresh ingredients like sausage, kale, and heavy cream, this dish not only aligns with your ketogenic diet but also offers a delightful culinary experience.
Main Ingredients
- Ground Sausage: 1 lb of Italian sausage (mild or spicy).
- Kale: 2 cups chopped kale for texture and nutrients.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced for aromatic flavor.
How to Prepare keto zuppa toscana soup
Brown the Sausage
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces. Brown for 7-10 minutes, ensuring even cooking. Once done, remove the sausage and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.SautΓ© Vegetables
In the same pot, sautΓ© diced onions and minced garlic for 5 minutes until translucent. Add 2 cups of chopped kale and cook for another 3 minutes until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, deglaze the pot, and bring it to a simmer.Combine Ingredients
Once the broth is boiling, add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.Stir in Cream & Final Seasoning
Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously until combined. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes, uncovered, before serving hot, garnished with optional fresh parsley.
Mistakes to Avoid
- High-Carb Ingredients: Avoid using high-carb ingredients like potatoes. Opt for cauliflower or zucchini to maintain the creamy texture without adding carbs.
- Imbalanced Flavors: Ensure you balance savory, spicy, and creamy elements. Taste and adjust seasonings as you go, especially garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Overcooking: Simmer the soup gently to avoid overcooked vegetables or tough meat.
- Adding Dairy Too Early: To prevent curdling, add heavy cream towards the end of cooking.
- Poor Ingredient Quality: Fresh herbs and high-quality broth make a huge difference. Skip canned or boxed broths that contain additives or sugars.
Tips and Tricks
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chop vegetables and measure spices ahead of time for a smoother cooking process.
- SautΓ© the Sausage: Browning the sausage before adding it enhances its flavor and adds richness to the soup.
- Use Bone Broth: Bone broth adds extra nutrition and a more robust flavor compared to regular chicken broth.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil and a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the soup and elevate its appearance.
- Proper Storage: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers for refrigeration or freezing to maintain its quality.
FAQs
What is keto zuppa toscana soup?
A low-carb version of the Italian sausage and potato soup, using cauliflower instead of potatoes, with sausage, kale, and heavy cream.
How do I store leftover keto zuppa toscana soup?
Cool, store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat after thawing.
Can I make keto zuppa toscana soup ahead of time?
Yes! Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat when ready.
Is there a vegan version of keto zuppa toscana soup?
Yes, use lentils or chickpeas and coconut cream as substitutes.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Coconut milk or almond milk with cashew cream work well.
How spicy is keto zuppa toscana?
The spice level depends on your choice of sausage and added red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste!
Delicious Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup is a creamy, hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring sausage, kale, and bacon in a rich, savory broth. Itβs perfect for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet, offering all the comfort of the original without the carbs.
Β
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh kale, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving some bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a simmer.
- Add the kale, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the kale is tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and Parmesan cheese, if using.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth or add more cheese.
- You can also add more veggies, such as zucchini or cauliflower, to make it heartier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
