My family signed up for a CSA from a local farm a few years ago. We loved all the regular fresh produce. However, we had no idea what to do with all the Kale that kept showing up. After some head-scratching, I came up with this recipe for Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana. It's a copycat recipe from that famous Italian chain. Unlimited salad and breadsticks not included.
I love kitchen gadgets
When I first started making this copycat Zuppa Toscana, I simmered all the ingredients in my Dutch Oven. After some unfortunate Christmas gift-giving gone wrong (I didn't know mom already had an Instant Pot) I ended up with a fancy new kitchen gadget. Everyone around me seemed to love their Instant Pot. I decided not to return it and try it out at home. Turns out its' pretty handy to have on those days you don't have a ton of time and you want to make a truly one-pot meal. You can still follow along if you don't have an Instant Pot you will just have to simmer your potatoes a bit longer.
Stock up on stock
One of the keys to making a good pot of soup is starting with a good stock. For this particular Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana, I was lucky enough to have several quarts of homemade chicken stock. My homemade stock is reduced down and packed with flavor compared to store-bought. I realize not everyone has the time to make their own stock at home. When you go to the market I would purchase the highest quality stock you can find. A high quality stock is going to have the most impact on your final product.
Support your local farmers
In my opinion, helping out a local farmer is one of the most important things you can do for your community. It helps them pay the bills and puts some delicious food in your belly. If you signed up for a CSA or were browsing the local farmers market weren't sure what to do with all that Kale, now you know. If you make this recipe leave a comment below or hit me up on social media @ilovemeatdotcom with a picture of your creation. Enjoy!
Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Sausage Italian or Breakfast will work
- 2 quarts Chicken Stock Homemade or high-quality stock makes a huge difference in the final product.
- 1 Large Yellow Onion
- 4 Russet or Yukon Potatoes large dice
- 4 oz Bacon
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 3 Large handfuls of chopped kale Add as much kale as you prefer.
- 1 TBS Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and add bacon
- Brown bacon and add onions
- Sauté onions until they are translucent
- Add in garlic and give everything a stir
- Add sausage and start to brown.
- Add crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken stock and add potatoes.
- Close the lid and switch the instant pot from sauté to pressure cook.
- Pressure cook for 5 minutes. Be careful when releasing the steam.
- Add heavy cream and kale.
- Stir kale until it starts to wilt and softens just a bit.
- Grab a bowl and a piece of crusty bread and enjoy.
That Sounds Wonderful 🔪🇺🇸🔪
Thanks Steven!
I've made this keto style. Leaving out the potato and using daikons.
Awesome! That's a great idea!