Zuppa Del Giorno Soup Recipe

I’m so excited to share my version of Zuppa Del Giorno Soup with you! This soup has quickly become a family favorite, especially on cold days when we need something warm and comforting. I found this recipe while looking for something simple and delicious, and now it’s a tradition in our home. We make it often when the weather cools down or when we have family and friends over. What makes Zuppa Del Giorno Soup so special is how easy it is to make and how filling it is. With hearty ingredients like sausage, bacon, potatoes, and kale, all cooked in one pot, it’s perfect for cozy evenings.

This Zuppa Del Giorno Soup Recipe is wonderful for a busy weeknight or whenever you want something satisfying. The warmth and comfort it brings make it the perfect dish to share with those you care about.

Why It Is Called Zuppa Del Giorno Soup

The name “Zuppa Del Giorno Soup” comes from the Italian language. In Italian, “Zuppa” means “soup,” and “Del Giorno” translates to “of the day.” So, “Zuppa Del Giorno” essentially means “Soup of the Day.”

This type of soup is often featured as a daily special in Italian restaurants, made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a comforting and flexible dish that can change depending on what ingredients are available, which is why it’s called “Zuppa Del Giorno.” The name captures the idea of a fresh, flavorful soup served on any given day, perfect for bringing people together over a warm, hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love Zuppa Del Giorno Soup Recipe

1. Easy to Make: One pot is all you need, making cleanup a breeze.
2. Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
3. Rich and Flavorful: Creamy broth meets savory sausage and crisp bacon for a taste explosion.
4. Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for cold days or when you need a little pick-me-up.

What’s in Zuppa Del Giorno Soup Recipe?

• 6-8 ounces bacon: Crispy and full of flavor.
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage: Adds a spicy kick.
• 1 medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth.
• 10 garlic cloves, minced: A must for bold Italian flavor.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup.
• 6 cups water: Balances the broth.
• 4 medium potatoes, chopped: Hearty and filling.
• 4 cups kale leaves, chopped: Adds a fresh, earthy touch.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup rich and velvety.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors.

Possible Substitutions

• Kale: Replace with spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens for a similar texture.
• Potatoes: Use Yukon Gold, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower for a unique twist.
• Italian Sausage: Substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Heavy Cream: Swap with coconut cream, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
• Bacon: Use turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a leaner soup.

Essential Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Large Pot: A sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot for cooking the soup evenly.
2. Sharp Knife: For chopping potatoes, kale, onions, and other ingredients.
3. Cutting Board: A clean surface for safe and efficient ingredient preparation.
4. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir and sauté ingredients without scratching the pot.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of broth, cream, and seasonings.
6. Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup neatly.
7. Colander: To rinse kale and potatoes before use.
8. Paper Towels: To drain excess grease from cooked bacon and sausage.

How to Make Zuppa Del Giorno Soup Recipe

Step 1 | Prepare the Bacon:

Chop and cook the bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel. Leave 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2 | Cook the Sausage:

Add Italian sausage to the pot. Break it into pieces and cook until browned. Remove and set aside with the bacon.

Step 3 | Sauté Vegetables:

Add onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4 | Simmer the Broth:

Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.

Step 5 | Add Potatoes:

Toss in the potatoes and simmer for 13-14 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 6 | Prepare the Kale:
While potatoes cook, strip kale leaves from stems and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 7 | Combine Ingredients:
Add kale and cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir and bring to a light boil.

Step 8 | Finish with Cream:
Stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.

Step 9 | Garnish and Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Important Tips and Notes

• Bacon Fat: Don’t discard all the bacon fat; leave about 1-2 tablespoons for flavor.
• Potato Size: Cut potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
• Cream Addition: Add cream towards the end of cooking to avoid curdling.
• Kale Texture: Stir the kale in last and cook just until wilted to maintain its texture.
• Make Ahead: This soup gets even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight.

Flavorful Variations and Customizations for Giorno Soup

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale, garlic, and high-quality sausage enhance the flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Bacon Fat: It adds depth to the broth, so leave a little in the pot.
• Cut Potatoes Evenly: This ensures they cook uniformly.
• Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper at the end to avoid over-seasoning.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to preserve its creamy texture.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot sausage.
• Prep Ingredients First: Having everything ready makes the cooking process smoother.
• Taste as You Go: Sampling allows you to tweak seasoning and ensure balance.
• Chop Kale into Small Pieces: Smaller pieces blend seamlessly into the soup.
• Garnish Generously: Crispy bacon and Parmesan elevate the presentation and taste.

What to Serve with Zuppa Del Giorno Soup

• Crusty bread: A warm, crusty loaf like sourdough or baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Simple green salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese: Adding freshly grated cheese on top brings extra flavor and a creamy, savory touch to the soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers are healthy sides that complement the soup’s hearty nature.
• Garlic bread or breadsticks: A flavorful, crispy side to enjoy alongside the soup, adding extra crunch and richness.

Best Ways to Store Zuppa Del Giorno Soup

• Cool Completely: Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing.
• Use Airtight Containers: Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Refrigeration: Keep the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat Gently: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Zuppa Del Giorno Soup Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make Zuppa Del Giorno Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it as directed, but leave out the cream if you plan to store it. Add the cream only when reheating to ensure it maintains its smooth texture and doesn’t separate. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

2. How do I reheat the soup without ruining its texture?

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring gently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from curdling. For frozen soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

The spiciness comes from the Italian sausage. Use mild sausage if you prefer a less spicy soup or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Adjusting the spice level makes this recipe more family-friendly.

4. Can I use pre-cooked sausage for the recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked sausage works well. Simply slice it into bite-sized pieces and add it with the kale to warm through. This is a great time-saver if you’re short on time or have leftover sausage to use up.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Carrots, celery, zucchini, or even diced tomatoes can be added to enhance the soup’s flavor and nutrition. Cook these vegetables with the onions for the best results. This makes the soup even heartier and more colorful.

Conclusion

No matter how you choose to customize your Zuppa Del Giorno Soup, it’s a recipe that’s easy to make your own! From adding extra vegetables to experimenting with different meats and seasonings, there are endless ways to adapt this soup to fit your tastes. I hope these variations inspire you to get creative and enjoy making this recipe as much as I do!