One of Captain François’ all time favourite soups is

Italian Wedding Soup.

My version may not be traditional

but I love making it because it is so easy to throw together

when I don’t feel like cooking…

It’s basically the soup base (chicken broth),

bits of Italian sausage,

some small pasta (acini de pepe or orzo),

spinach or other greens,

dressed with some Parm.

Easy.

Then I ran across several copy cat recipes for Zuppa Toscana.

Hearty, warming and rich tasting.

I lightened it up by using evaporated milk instead of cream.

I have also used canned potatoes when no fresh are available

and of course you can swap the kale for spinach.

I liked the kale for this one because it held its texture well.

ZUPPA TOSCANA

3 spicy Italian sausage, casings removed

1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

2 cloves garlic, minced

pinch or two of dried chilis (optional)

4 cups chicken broth

12 baby potatoes, quartered

1/2 bunch of kale, stems removed, leaves shredded (about 4 cups)

2 – 3 tbsp flour

1 can of evaporated milk

shaved Parmesan for garnish

and of course some good crusty bread to help sop up all that goodness.

In your cooking pot sauté the sausage

breaking it up into bite-sized pieces.

Add onion, garlic and chilis

continuing to cook until onion is browned a bit.

Careful not to scorch the garlic.

Recipe inspired by the Chunky Chef