I’ve posted my copycat Zuppa Toscana recipe before and it’s good, but this recipe is better! Heartier, more filling, and best yet- Loaded with Veggies. We got all of the veggies from our Yasukochi Family Farms CSA box. To learn more about these awesome produce boxes, check out my post here.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb of Italian Sausage (hot or mild, your choice)
• 3 T. crumbled cooked bacon (I like the kind from Costco)
• 2 T. Butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 ribs of celery, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 T. Italian Seasoning
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 3 medium potatoes, sliced into bite-sized pieces (I left the skin on- it’s up to you)
• 1-quart chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bag triple-washed spinach
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (or 12 oz milk of your choice)

Directions:

1. In a large stockpot, cook and crumble Italian Sausage
2. Add in bacon and heat  until sizzling
3. Add butter, onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions are translucent (about 10 minutes).
4. Add garlic, and herbs/bay leaf- cook until fragrant.
5. Add broth, and scrape brown cooked bits off the bottom of the pot.
6. Add Potatoes, cook on medium with the lid on the pot until the potatoes are soft (about 15 minutes).
7. Remove lid, turn the stove up to high, add spinach. Stir and incorporate the spinach until wilted.
8. Turn the stove down to low, add milk, and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
9. Remove Bay leaf prior to serving.

This makes 10-12 servings. Serve with bread of your choice. I like to top with a little parmesan cheese.

Notes/Substitutions:

• If you prefer Kale, substitute for the spinach and add another 5-10 minutes of cooking time.
• This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, and it freezes well.
• If you are a vegetarian, substitute 2 cans of rinsed/drained cannellini beans in place of the Italian sausage (or meat-free Italian sausage), and use crumbled vegetarian/vegan bacon. Use Vegetable broth, and 12 oz. alternative milk (I like almond or hazelnut for this recipe). Add in 1/2 t. Fennel Seed, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage) when using beans.