DIYEats How to; Live Deliciously

The colder months just make me want soups and the comfort type food still, even though we’ve moved through the holidays there is still just something about the cold evenings and a hot bowl of hearty soup that completes the day. I found this recipe on a blog that features so many yummy recipes, some are lower in calories. I’m pretty impressed with this site and I’ll link up to it for this recipe below.

I started by browning some Italian sausage, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes in a skillet. I’ve discovered sweet onions vs. the plain yellow onions too. Sweet onions have a very mild taste to them and they don’t typically burn your eyes during the chopping process. The yellow onions are quite a bit stronger, still good for just about anything that calls for onions though. Thought I would share that little tid bit.

Once the sausage, garlic and red pepper flakes are browned drain the drippings off and set that aside. In a good sized stock pot add some chicken broth and potatoes and add the sausage. Allow to boil until potatoes are tender. If you wish, you can brown about 4 slices of bacon to add to the soup as well.

Chop up some kale, this stuff just rocks!!!!

Reduce the heat and add the half and half and heat through, just before serving add the chopped kale.

This was such good soup, very hearty tasting without tons of calories and I still got my comfort food. Let me know what you think.

Zuppa Toscana
Adapted from Cook, Eat, Share

Ingredients:
1 Lb Italian sausage
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (unless you prefer to reduce or omit)
1 Tbsp minced garlic
32 oz chicken broth
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2″ pieces
1 C kale (chopped) or as much you wish
4 – 6 small potatoes, diced or thinly cut up
1 C half and half cream.

Directions:
Brown sausage, onion, red pepper, and garlic. Set aside, brown bacon and add to sausage. In a stock pot combine chicken broth, potatoes and sausage mixture. Simmer until potatoes are soft. Add half and half cream and heat through. Add kale just before serving. 8 servings