CHICKEN SAUSAGE, CAULIFLOWER & KALE SOUP

If you love Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana, you'll adore my healthier twist: Chicken Sausage, Cauliflower & Kale Soup! This low-glycemic version features a rich, flavorful broth that's far more satisfying than boxed options. For the best taste, don't toss out your chicken bones—store them in the freezer and make your own broth! I also recommend using prepackaged chicken bones from Our Father's Farm in Gretna, VA, for their exceptional quality. Enjoy a comforting bowl of this nourishing soup that’s sure to warm you up!

CHICKEN SAUSAGE, CAULIFLOWER & KALE SOUP

By Dr. Cindy Tanzar

This soup was my answer to Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana. I always loved that soup, but this is a much healthier, low-glycemic version. It has a very rich tasting broth that is much more satisfying than boxed chicken broth, however, you can certainly use organic chicken broth, as well. Don’t throw out your chicken bones after a meal! Place them into a bag in the freezer until you have enough to make broth. I use so much broth that I like to purchase prepackaged chicken bones from Our Father’s Farm in Gretna, VA. I know the quality of all their products is amazing, which makes all our food taste so much better.

SERVINGS: Makes 4 servings.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3-1/2 – 4 lbs. organic chicken bones (neck, back, legs) (if making your own broth) OR 6-8 cups organic chicken broth
  • Four links Italian chicken sausage (casing removed and cut into medium-sized chunks)
  • Medium head of cauliflower, cut into small flowerets
  • 1 bunch of kale, removed from stem and torn into bite-size pieces
  • One medium onion, chopped
  • 2-3 Tbsp unrefined, organic coconut or avocado oil
  • Crushed red pepper – ½ tsp or more to taste (we like more!)
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • Heavy cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Either make your own broth (below) or use 6-8 cups of organic chicken broth until it’s of the consistency you like.
  2. Make chicken broth by placing chicken bones in an 8-quart Dutch oven (I use an oblong shape to fit the bones better).
  3.  Fill with water to within an inch from the top. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, occasionally skimming the foam. (Optional – Feel free to add a couple of stalks of celery, two carrots, an onion, 5 sprigs of fresh parsley, 3 springs of fresh thyme and a bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.)
  4. Strain the broth into a large bowl and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the chicken sausage and onion in oil until brown. Add cauliflower and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add broth, salt (add 1 tsp, then ½ tsp at a time until to your liking), pepper and crushed red pepper to the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Add kale, simmering until tender.
  5. If you like a creamier soup, stir in up to 1/4 cup of heavy cream, a couple of tablespoons at a time, until it’s too your liking. It’s will add a rich layer to your soup, however, the flavor of the chicken broth alone in this recipe is just delicious. Enjoy!

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