ZUPPA TUSCANA

Zuppa Tuscana
Posted by Sandee

**This is the same soup that is served at Olive Garden, and it is fabulous!! I've made it several times now, and just had it made for me again on my birthday!**

1 (16-ounce) package mild or spicy Italian sausage links *
6 slices bacon
1 medium onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 quart water
2 tablespoons chicken base or instant bouillon granules
2 medium all-purpose potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 cups shredded kale
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

In a large cooking pot or Dutch oven, cook sausage links over medium-high
heat until done, about 12 to 15 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove
from pan; bias-slice sausages into 1/2-inch slices; set aside. Drain fat.
In same cooking pot, fry bacon until crisp; remove; drain on paper towels;
crumble and set aside. Drain all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from pot.
Add onions to same cooking pot and cook over medium heat until softened. Add
garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the water, chicken base and potatoes.
Bring to boiling, reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until
potatoes are tender.
Return the cooked sausage and crumbled bacon to the pot. Add the kale and
crushed red pepper, if using, and simmer for 4 minutes. Stir in the cream
and cook until heated through, without boiling. Serve hot.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
* An easier option would be to substitute with 1 pound bulk Italian sausage,
crumble and cook until done; drain fat, set aside and continue with recipe as
directed.