Zuppa Toscana

This is a soup someone brought me after Shea was born. It mimics the Olive Garden soup, but in my opinion it is better. It is not the least bit healthy, but it is delicious.

Zuppa Toscana

1 lb. Spicy Italian sausage
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 qt. water
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 TBSP. chicken base
2 medium potatoes, cubed
2 cups Kale leaves, cut in halves, then sliced
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Cook sausage in pan, breaking up into chunks. Meanwhile, cook bacon in large pot. Remove bacon. Add onions and garlic to bacon drippings. Cook for one minute. Add water, chicken base, and potatoes. Simmer until tender, about 15 min. Add sausage, kale, and cream. Simmer until soup is hot, about 4 min. Stir in bacon. Top with Parmesan cheese.

This is really good served with beer bread (recipe is posted on this blog). I'm sure many other breads would go nicely as well.