Every now and then, a cozy bowl of soup just hits the spot, doesn’t it? Especially one that warms your soul like this Easy Keto Zuppa Toscana—imagine rich, savory flavors swirling around like an autumn breeze through a Tuscan village. I remember last winter, wrapped in a blanket, savoring this hearty delight, and thinking, “How could something so good be low carb?”
Steps
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, onion, and red pepper flakes until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds before draining and setting aside the mixture.
- In the same pot, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy, then remove them from the pot and set aside.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the cauliflower florets and boil them until they are tender, roughly 15 minutes. For a creamier texture, mash some of the cauliflower in the pot.
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, along with the previously cooked sausage and onion mixture. Allow the soup to heat through.
- A couple of minutes before serving, mix the spinach and cooked bacon into the soup. If a thicker consistency is desired, sprinkle xanthan gum over the soup and quickly whisk it in, allowing it to simmer until thickened.
- Optionally, top the soup with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (or beef bone broth for a higher-calorie option)
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 cups spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (for thickening, optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3070kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 100g | Fat: 280g | Saturated Fat: 120g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 30g | Monounsaturated Fat: 110g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 700mg | Sodium: 4510mg | Potassium: 3690mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 17910IU | Vitamin C: 250mg | Calcium: 490mg | Iron: 10mg
FAQ
- What makes this Zuppa Toscana recipe suitable for a Keto diet?
- The traditional potatoes used in Zuppa Toscana are replaced with cauliflower to reduce carbs, and spinach is used instead of kale, which is higher in carbohydrates. These changes make the soup low-carb and Keto-friendly.
- How many net carbs are in each serving of this Keto Zuppa Toscana?
- Each serving contains 4 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of fiber, resulting in 3 net carbs per serving.
- Can I make this soup thicker, and if so, how?
- Yes, you can thicken the soup by adding half to one teaspoon of xanthan gum, a common Keto-friendly thickening agent. Additionally, mashing some of the cauliflower will also help achieve a creamier texture.
- Is it possible to use a different type of broth for this recipe?
- Yes, while chicken broth is commonly used, beef bone broth is another Keto-friendly option, though it is higher in calories.
- What are some other Keto recipes I can try?
- Some other Keto recipes include Keto Biscuits, Egg Roll In a Bowl, Pizza Stuffed Mushrooms, Warm Bacon Cheese Dip, and Cloud Bread.
Tips
- To achieve a thicker consistency in your soup, consider adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum, a keto-friendly thickening agent, while simmering.
- For a creamier texture, mash some of the cauliflower florets after they’ve boiled until fork-tender. This will help thicken the soup naturally without adding extra carbs.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for hot Italian sausage or adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
- To enhance the flavor, add freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for a savory finish.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot with Lid – Essential for cooking the soup.
- Xanthan Gum – Used as a thickening agent, which may not be typically found in your pantry.
- Whisk – Useful for incorporating the xanthan gum into the soup evenly.
