More Soup for the Soul

It has been so chilly that I have been in the mood to eat lots of soup! Here is my rendition of the Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden, although I am quite sure its a bit healthier. One of the yummy(although under used) ingredients is kale. Kale provides more nutritional value for fewer calories than just about any other food known to man. It's an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as, calcium, fiber and manganese. It also contains organosulfur phytonutrients that act as a cell cleanser and can even cause cancerous cells to kill themselves off! Kale is available year around in the super markets, but I find it to be most tasty in the winter season. You can find it near the greens(mustard, beet, collard) in the produce section. In my home, I add it to soups since that tends to be the way it is most well received. You can also saute it like spinach and eat it as a side dish or add it to casseroles. It would be delicious in a vegetable lasagna!


Homemade Zuppa Toscana

2 cans no fat, low sodium chicken broth
1/2 C. water
2 TBS. olive oil
2 C. cubed potatoes, any kind
1/2-1 bunch kale, stalks and veins removed, finely chopped(you may want to start with less and build up if your kids aren't into so much green stuff!)
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 lb. italian sausage(I used turkey)mild or spicy
1/2 C. heavy cream(optional)
Sea salt and black pepper

Saute the onions and garlic in olive oil and then add in the sausage. Cook until browned. Then add in broth, water and potatoes. Simmer about 15 min or until the potatoes are cooked through, then add in the kale and cream(if you are using it) and simmer another 5 minutes until the kale is wilted.

Top with freshly grated parmigiano reggiano cheese and serve with garlic baguettes.

Garlic Baguette
1 baguette, sliced 1/4-1/2" thick on an angle
Olive oil
1 fresh garlic clove, peeled
salt and pepper

Toast your baguette slices. On a plate, pour some olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Take a toasted slice of baguette and rub with the garlic clove. Then dip in the olive oil mixture and serve. Yummy!

Stay tuned for a Roasted Tomato Soup recipe that will go perfectly with your kids grilled cheese sandwiches!