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Homemade Creamy Paleo Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Zuppa Toscana (Paleo)

A dairy-free, paleo zuppa toscana with sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale in a creamy coconut milk broth - all the Olive Garden comfort, none of the dairy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb hot Italian sausage bulk, or casings removed
  • 4-5 strips bacon chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lb yellow potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4-4 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk about ¾ of a standard 13.5-oz can
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot starch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
  • 3-4 cups fresh kale stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  2. Add the chopped bacon to the same pot and cook until crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Leave the rendered fat in the pot; drain off any more than 2-3 tablespoons.
  3. Add the onion to the bacon fat and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more, until fragrant.
  4. Return the sausage to the pot. Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-18 minutes.
  5. Whisk the arrowroot starch and cold water together until smooth, then stir it into the pot along with the coconut milk. Simmer 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
  6. Stir in the kale and red pepper flakes and cook until the kale wilts, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Notes

Arrowroot starch is the paleo-friendly stand-in for a flour-based thickener here - cornstarch works the same way if that's not a concern for you.
Full-fat coconut milk is what gives this its creamy body without any dairy; light coconut milk tastes thinner.
Reheats well the next day, though it thickens further in the fridge - a splash of extra broth loosens it right back up.
Freezes well also, for up to 3 months
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