Tuscan Sausage & Potato Soup
Tuscan Sausage & Potato Soup
This rustic and hearty soup is substantial enough to serve as a main course. The sausage and seasonings add a lot of flavor, while big chunks of potato make for a satisfying meal. Pair with a crisp, green side salad and dinner is served!
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 3-7 hours
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
4 oz. pancetta, cubed
2 lbs. bulk mild sausage
2 15-oz. cans cannellini beans*
6-7 c. chicken stock, divided
1 T. crushed red pepper flakes
2-3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 lbs. Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks
3” hard Parmesan cheese rind
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ c. half and half, tempered**
3 c. fresh kale, finely chopped
½ c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Tips:
For less salt, drain and rinse both cans of cannellini beans before pureeing one can with a little water.
Temper the half and half by adding a little bit of the hot liquid to it before stirring it into the slow cooker crock.
Directions:
- Brown pancetta in large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 or 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sausage to the same skillet and brown, breaking it up into small bite-sized chunks with a spatula while it cooks. Remove from heat and carefully drain excess fat from pan. Transfer pancetta and sausage to a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker crock.
- Puree one can of cannellini beans (undrained) in a blender or food processor. Drain and rinse the other can of cannellini beans and add the puree and whole beans to slow cooker crock.
- Add 6 cups chicken stock, red pepper flakes, chopped onion, potatoes, and Parmesan cheese rind to crock and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7. Remove lid and add tempered half and half, kale, freshly grated Parmesan cheese and remaining chicken stock, if necessary, to achieve the desired consistency. Stir to combine and allow 5-10 minutes for kale to soften before serving.
