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Creamy Paleo Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Paleo Zuppa Toscana - featured image

A rich and hearty paleo-friendly soup featuring Italian sausage, kale, and a creamy coconut milk base, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage (pork or turkey, sugar-free, paleo-friendly)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chopped kale leaves (Tuscan or curly kale)
  • 2 cups riced cauliflower (about 150g)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) full-fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream
  • 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, paleo-friendly)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: nutritional yeast for cheesy undertone

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground Italian sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Stir in 2 cups riced cauliflower and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth. Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
  5. Add 4 cups chopped kale leaves and simmer for 5 minutes until kale is tender but still bright green.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk. Heat through for 3-4 minutes without boiling vigorously.
  7. Optional: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly for a creamier texture, focusing on the cauliflower and broth. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a blender and return to the pot.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Brown the sausage well to lock in flavor. Avoid overcooking kale to keep it tender and bright. Use full-fat coconut milk for best creamy texture. Simmer gently after adding coconut milk to prevent separation. If soup is too thick, add more broth or water to adjust consistency. Blending half the soup creates a nice creamy base while keeping some texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: paleo soup, zuppa toscana, creamy soup, Italian sausage soup, dairy-free soup, low-carb soup, healthy comfort food