Slow Cooker Zuppa ToscanaThe first cool evenings of autumn always make me want a big pot of soup simmering on the stove. Not the kind that takes half the afternoon and leaves a washbasin full of dishes, but something simple, something that will fill the house with a good smell while dinner practically cooks itself.That’s why I keep coming back to this Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Zuppa Toscana.It has all the things I want in a comforting bowl of soup: browned Italian sausage, tender potatoes, hearty kale and a creamy broth to tie it all together. No need to pull out a long list of spices or spend the evening chopping vegetables. Five ingredients, nothing too complicated.I usually make this soup ahead of time, especially when I know dinner is going to be one of those nites when everyone gets hungry at a different time. When it’s time to eat, the potatoes are tender, the sausage has flavoured the broth, and the kitchen smells like something warm and homely.IngredientsYou only need 5 key ingredients:1 lb Italian sausage4 medium russet potatoes, thinly cut4 cups of chicken stock3 cups chopped kale (or spinach or chard)1 cup cream, heavyMost of the flavour comes from the sausage, so I like to brown that before I put it in the slow cooker. It only takes a couple of minutes but that extra step gives the soup a much deeper flavour.Getting the Soup GoingBrown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break into small pieces and drain excess grease off as it cooks.Transfer sausage to slow cooker. Mix in sliced potatoes and chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir, put the lid on, and cook on LOW for about 5 to 6 hours.This is the beauty of a slow-cooker soup. Once the lid is on there’s not much more to do.The potatoes cook slowly until tender and the sausage adds flavour to the broth. If you’re making this on a weekday, you can get it all started early and come home to a mostly finished dinner.Add the Cream and KaleWhen the potatoes are tender, add the kale, chopped.I will cook the kale for about 30 minutes. It softens up nicely, but still has enough texture to give the soup some body.Then the cream.Pour in and mix gently. Let the soup cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, until everything is hot and creamy. I don’t boil the soup after adding the cream, as a gentle finish results in a smoother texture.The soup is done now.And usually this is when someone comes bumbling into the kitchen asking when dinner will be, honestly.A Few Easy TipsSlice the potatoes fairly thin, and try to keep them close in size. They’ll cook more evenly and you won’t have to wait for a few hard-headed pieces to soften.You can use either the mild or the hot Italian sausage. I usually go mild when serving the whole family, but the spicy version is great if you like a little bit of heat.For the kale, strip the tougher stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. They don’t have to be perfect. After all, it’s a country soup.What Goes With That?You will likely need a loaf of crusty bread.The creamy broth is just asking to be mopped up with a piece of warm bread. Sourdough, garlic bread, or even plain dinner rolls work great.Sometimes I’ll also put a simple green salad on the table if I’m serving the soup as part of a larger dinner. No problem, the soup is doing most of the work already.RemainingThe next day, as a leftover for lunch, this soup is even better.Store in a covered container in the refrigerator and reheat on the hob or in the microwave. The potatoes will absorb some of the broth overnight so you might want to add a little bit of chicken broth or milk when reheating.The soup will keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.The type of soup you make againSome recipes are fun to make once, and some quietly become part of your rotation. This one was in the second category for me.This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Zuppa Toscana does not need any frills. The Italian sausage lends a savoury foundation, the potatoes make it filling, the kale adds a bit of freshness, and the cream turns the broth into something rich and comforting.It’s a simple soup for a busy weeknight, but it also feels right on a lazy Sunday nite when you want the house smelling like dinner.Mix up a pot of it, warm some crusty bread and let the slow cooker do what it does best.
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana
