My Kinda Zuppa Toscana

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground hot Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 medium white onions, diced
• 1/4 cup bacon bit (I use Hormel brand)
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 10 cups water
• 5 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder (to taste)
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 6 cups potatoes, cubed
• 1 bunch kale, discard center stalks and coarsely chop greens (cavolo riccio)
• 1 bunch fresh Italian parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
• 1 loaf crusty Italian bread, sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions

1. 1

   Saute ground spicy italian sausage and crushed red pepper flakes in 1 T olive oil. (I use 8 quart stock pot.) Drain fat and move mixture into bowl, set aside.

2. 2

   In same pan, add 1 T olive oil and saute white onions, garlic, bacon bits, and potatoes until onions are soft.

3. 3

   Add water and chicken boullion powder and stir thoroughly. Bring to a gentle boil and continue cooking until potatoes are soft, 20-30 minute.

4. 4

   Turn off heat, immediately add kale, sausage and heavy cream. Stir together.

5. 5

   Garnish with chopped italian parsley or chives, serve hot with slices of bread.