Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Introduction

Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth. This Italian-inspired soup is perfect for chilly days and makes a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

• Italian Sausage: 1 pound, casing removed
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Carrots: 2, sliced
• Celery: 2 stalks, sliced
• Kale: 4 cups, chopped (or spinach as an alternative)
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Potato Gnocchi: 1 pound (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for garnish

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:

• Bacon: 4 slices, cooked and crumbled
• White Wine: 1/2 cup, for deglazing
• Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon, chopped
• Bay Leaf: 1, for added depth of flavor

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Ingredients

1. Chop Vegetables: Prepare the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and kale.
2. Cook Sausage: Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble it.

Preparing the Gnocchi

1. Homemade Gnocchi: If making gnocchi from scratch, prepare it according to your favorite recipe. Otherwise, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly.

Cooking Instructions

Sautéing the Sausage and Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Sausage: Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Adding the Broth and Bringing to a Simmer

1. Deglaze with White Wine: (Optional) Pour in the white wine and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
2. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Add Seasonings: Add the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Combining Ingredients

Adding the Gnocchi

1. Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top.

Incorporating Cream and Finishing Touches

1. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked sausage to the pot.
2. Add Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Finishing Touches

Garnishing the Soup

1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, crumbled bacon.

Adjusting Seasonings

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana Soup is a versatile and hearty meal:

• Best Ways to Serve: Serve hot, with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping.
• Pairings and Beverages: Pair with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light beer. For non-alcoholic options, try a sparkling water with lemon.

Health Benefits

This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious:

• Nutritional Information: Rich in protein from the sausage and gnocchi, and packed with vitamins from the kale and other vegetables.
• Benefits of Main Ingredients: Kale is high in vitamins A, C, and K, and sausage provides protein and essential fats.

Tips for Perfect Zuppa Toscana

• Ensuring the Best Texture: Do not overcook the gnocchi; they are done when they float to the top. Add the cream and kale at the end to maintain their textures.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid adding too much salt initially as the sausage and broth can be quite salty. Adjust seasoning after tasting the final product.

Alternative Ingredients

For those with dietary preferences or restrictions:

• Substitutes for Sausage: Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Vegetarian sausages can be used for a meatless version.
• Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and gluten-free gnocchi if needed. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Storing and Reheating

To keep your dish fresh:

• Best Practices for Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• How to Reheat Without Losing Flavor and Texture: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought gnocchi? Yes, store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and saves time.

How can I make this dish spicier? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup.

Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions.

How long does it last in the refrigerator? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana Soup is a flavorful, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth makes this soup both satisfying and nutritious. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious bowl of Italian-inspired comfort!

Yield: 1

Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Print

Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables in a creamy broth. This Italian-inspired soup is perfect for chilly days and makes a satisfying meal that's both easy to prepare and delicious. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 portion gnocchi (uncooked)
• 200 g meat sausage (i used plant-based spicy ones, casings removed)
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups curly kale (chopped)
• 2 cups vegetable stock (or chicken)
• 1/2 cup double cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (cracked or ground, to taste)
• red pepper flakes (optional)
• parmesan (grated, optional)
• fresh basil (chopped, optional)

Instructions

1. In a stockpot over medium heat, add butter and allow to melt. Then add sausages and onion and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cook, until meat has browned and onions have softened.,
2. Add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add stock and stir to combine. Continue cooking until soup reaches a simmer.
4. Add uncooked gnocchi, kale and cream and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes or until the gnocchi floats to the surface of the soup.
5. Taste and season the soup with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve while hot or warm, topped with parmesan cheese and/or basil, if desired. To kick things up a notch, you may also add some red pepper flakes.