Last week was cold here, and we were craving something hot and comforting. This is my healthy take on a traditional Italian soup. My husband and I prefer a spicy sausage in this soup, but since I was making this for our entire family, I used a sweet sausage and added red pepper flakes to our bowls. In addition, I used Murasaki Sweet Potatoes instead of the traditional white potato in this version. They are healthier than a white potato with fewer carbs and plenty of antioxidants. Although, unlike a typical "sweet potato," when cut, they are white (see picture below the soup), so they make the soup look more like the traditional soup, which is essential when cooking for kids!
Start by peeling your potatoes and chopping them into cubes. Also, dice up an onion (I'm sorry I forgot to include the onion in any pictures!!) Next, get your stockpot heating up to medium/high heat. Then cut the casing of your sausages and squeeze it out into the hot stockpot. Break the sausage up as you brown it.
Then, add in your garlic, onions, and potatoes and allow the onion to cook and the garlic to become fragrant. Once the onion becomes translucent, season with your Everyday Seasoning blend as well as a bit of salt.
Then pour in your chicken stock. Bring your stock to a boil and allow the potatoes to cook. Allow the stock to boil for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your cubed potatoes.
While the potatoes are cooking, crisp up your bacon. I did mine in the oven on a baking sheet for about 20 minutes in a 400-degree oven.
Also, while your bacon and potatoes are cooking, roughly chop your spinach.
When you are almost ready to serve your Zuppa Toscana, add in your chopped spinach and the solid part of your coconut cream. Stir in the cream to incorporate.
Finally, top with your crisp, crumbled bacon.
Your family will love this soup. You will love indulging in knowing that your family is eating a filling yet extremely healthy soup!
Zuppa Toscana
1 package of TJs Italian Sausage (sweet or spicy)
1 sweet onion chopped
2 frozen cubes of garlic
About 4-5 large Murasaki Sweet Potatoes
2 cartons of TJs Organic Chicken Stock
1/2- 1 Tablespoon of Everyday Seasoning
Salt to taste
1 can (solid part only) TJs Organic Coconut Cream
3/4- 1 bag of roughly chopped TJs Organic Baby Spinach
1/2 package of TJs No Sugar Dry Rubbed Uncured Bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled