Description
Low Carb Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup is a hearty, flavorful soup combining Italian sausage, cauliflower, kale, and crispy bacon in a creamy broth. This comforting dish is perfect for anyone following a low carb or keto lifestyle and is easy to prepare in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed and cut into bite size pieces
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 strips thick-cut bacon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups kale, veins removed and cut into thin ribbons
Liquids and Seasonings
- 32 oz can chicken broth
- 2.5 cups water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning sausage)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Slice the Italian sausage into small pieces and brown them in a soup pot over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring well while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to add flavor.
- Simmer with Cauliflower: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the cauliflower florets. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
- Cook Bacon: While the soup simmers, brown the bacon strips in a separate skillet until crispy. Remove and cut into small pieces.
- Add Greens and Cream: Once the cauliflower is soft, add the kale and heavy whipping cream to the soup. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional 5 minutes until kale is wilted.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls, top with crispy bacon pieces, and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with crusty bread or crackers for a non-keto addition.
Notes
- To keep the soup strictly low carb, skip the bread or crackers when serving.
- If keto-friendly dairy is a concern, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to remove the sausage casing for better texture and easier cooking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
