Can I use mild sausage instead of hot?

Yes. Both work equally well; use mild for less heat, hot for a spicy kick.

Do I have to use Great Northern beans?

No. Cannellini beans or white beans are direct substitutes with similar creaminess.

How do I prevent the half-and-half from curdling?

Bring the half-and-half to room temperature before adding, stir it in slowly off heat, and avoid boiling after it's added.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Store cooked soup (without half-and-half) in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently and stir in fresh half-and-half before serving.

Can I freeze Zuppa Toscana?

Freeze the broth base only (without half-and-half) for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat, then add half-and-half fresh.

Zuppa Toscana (Homemade Olive Garden Recipe)

Name: Zuppa Toscana (Homemade Olive Garden Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 lb. Italian Sausage, hot or mild* ($2.23); 1 yellow onion ($0.70); 2 cloves garlic ($0.08); 1 15 oz. can Great Northern beans** ($0.94); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika ($0.05); 3 cups chicken broth*** ($0.39); 1 cup water ($0.00); 1 lb. red potatoes ($2.55); 1/2 lb. kale, chopped with stems removed ($1.50); 2 cups half and half, room temperature**** ($1.49); 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional ($0.02); freshly cracked black pepper, optional ($0.05)

1

Add the sausage to a large soup pot and sauté over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. The sausage should contain enough fat to keep it from sticking, if not add a touch of olive oil. It's okay if a small amount browns on the bottom of the pot.

2

While the sausage is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions are softened. The moisture from the onions should help dissolve any browned bits of sausage off the bottom of the pot.

3

Drain and rinse the can of beans. Add the beans, smoked paprika, chicken broth, and one cup water. Place a lid on the pot and let it come up to a simmer over medium heat.

4

While the pot is heating, cut each potato into quarters lengthwise, then slice across into thin, 1/8-inch thick slices. Add the potatoes to the pot along with the pre-chopped kale. The kale will fill the pot when it's first added, but the heat from the liquid will wilt it within a few minutes. Stir it occasionally to help the wilting process.

5

Let the pot simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

6

Remove some of the hot broth from the pot, transfer it to a separate bowl, and whisk in the room temperature half and half. Now, pour the tempered half and half mixture back into the soup pot with the potatoes and kale. Bring everything to a gentle simmer (don't let it boil!).

7

Season with red pepper flakes and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.