Zuppa Toscana

½ lb. bacon (cut into pieces)
salt to taste
1 lb. sausage, mild (cut into pieces)
5 potatoes (russets or gold)
4 clove garlic (minced)
1 onion (large)
black pepper to taste
6 C chicken broth
6 C kale
¾ C cream, heavy
1 tsp vinegar, white wine
MSG to taste


Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon; set aside to drain. Add the Italian sausage to the drippings and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Transfer to the paper towel-lined plate to drain.

  2. Add the potatoes, garlic and onion to the drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Season with the crushed red pepper flakes and salt and pepper. Add the chicken broth, increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the potatoes are tender and cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes.

  3. Add the MSG, kale, heavy cream, bacon and sausage and cook over medium heat until the kale is tender, another 5 minutes. Stir in the vinegar just before serving.

Tags: Fall Harvest, Main Dish