This Tuscan Soup is lightened with coconut milk, is pork-free, and delivers the same creamy and delicious flavor. It's a one-pot wonder that's perfect for feeding a hungry family.
Instead of heavy cream, coconut milk will add creaminess and a subtle coconut taste that goes so well with the herbs and spices.
Also, smoked paprika is a great alternative to bacon for adding smokiness to the soup.
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Recipe Highlights
One-pot. The simplicity of cooking it in just one pot makes it a convenient and time-saving option for busy moms (like me) or anyone who wants to minimize the amount of dishes used.
Lighter than the traditional version. There's no bacon or heavy cream and it still, tastes delicious.
Many servings. It's perfect for a gathering, family, or to enjoy throughout the week.
Tuscan Soup Ingredients
- Tuscan Kale (lacinato kale)—these crinkled leaves give the soup depth and earthiness, and pair well with the other ingredients like garlic, and parmesan cheese.
- Beef Italian Sausage— I do not eat pork. I found 100% beef Italian sausage at my local market. You can also use turkey or chicken sausage.
- Herbs & spices— fresh onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried basil, and dried oregano will give the base of this soup so much flavor.
- Potatoes—use golden potatoes for their texture and starch.
- Coconut milk—will give this soup creaminess.
- Broth—vegetable broth will keep this dish nice and light.
- Parmesan cheese—adds more umami flavor.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Tuscan Soup
Step 1: Brown the Italian sausage with the onion and spices.
Step 2: Add the kale and potatoes.
Step 3: Stir in the broth and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 25 minutes.
Step 4: Add the coconut milk and parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 15-20, but I recommend 30 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Here's a helpful tip for you: If you want a stronger coconut flavor in your dish, add the coconut milk 10 minutes before serving. However, if you want to tone down the flavor of coconut a little bit, add it in sooner. The flavors of the meat and spices will eventually take over with time.
Recipe Variations
There are a few recipe variations for this zuppa toscana. Here are some suggestions:
- Spicy - add Aleppo pepper for spice.
- Chicken - ground chicken thighs would be delicious instead of beef.
- Spinach - add 4 cups of fresh spinach instead of kale.
See this Spicy Chicken Chili with Sweet Potato for another wholesome soup.
Storage Instructions
1. Allow the soup to cool down completely before transferring it to a storage container. This will prevent condensation and help maintain its flavor and texture when stored in the fridge.
2. Use an airtight container and place the container in the fridge. Enjoy within 3 days.
Serve this zuppa toscana with a generous shaving of fresh parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper, and fresh chopped parsley.
More Wholesome Soup Recipes
- Salmon Soup with Lemon and Dill
- Avgolemono Soup with Saffron
- Best Homemade Chili Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Chili with Ancho Chilies and Sweet Potatoes
Healthy Tuscan Soup with Coconut Milk
Healthy Tuscan Soup, a one-pot dish with a delicious, creamy flavor, is made with coconut milk and is pork-free, making it perfect for a family meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 pound beef Italian sausage
- 1 bunch Tuscan kale, stems removed, chopped
- 4 medium yukon gold potatoes, peeled, medium dice
- 32 oz vegetable broth
- 13 oz can unsweetened coconut milk
- parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh chopped parsley for serving.
Instructions
- Start by placing a pot over medium heat.
- Once the pot has heated, add olive oil, onion, smoked paprika, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry until onions soften and become aromatic, about 2-3 minutes.
- In the same pot, stir-fry the sausage over medium heat until golden brown.
- Add the potatoes, kale, and broth. Give a stir to combine ingredients. Cover the pot with a lid. Increase the heat to high until it starts to simmer, and once it's simmering, reduce the heat and continue to cook until the potatoes are fork-tender. This should take around 25 minutes.
- After the potatoes are tender, add coconut milk and parmesan cheese and stir. Cover with a lid and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the soup with an extra shaving of parmesan cheese, fresh red pepper flakes, and freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
Storage Instructions
1. Allow the soup to cool down completely before transferring it to a storage container. This will prevent condensation and help maintain its flavor and texture when stored in the fridge.
2. Use an airtight container and place the container in the fridge. Enjoy within 3 days.
Recipe Variations
There are a few recipe variations for this zuppa toscana. Here are some suggestions:
- Spicy - add Aleppo pepper for spice.
- Chicken - ground chicken thighs would be delicious instead of beef.
- Spinach - add 4 cups of fresh spinach instead of kale.
Here's a useful tip: If you want a more prominent coconut flavor in your dish, add the coconut milk 10 minutes before serving. However, if you prefer to reduce the intensity of the coconut flavor, add it when the broth is added. The flavors of the meat and spices will eventually take over with time, balancing the overall taste of the dish.
Sandra says
OMG, Ashley! This soup was amazing. This recipes is a keeper. Thanks for sharing. Does it matter which kale i use?
Ashley says
Hi Sandra, any kale will work nicely.