Olive Garden Toscana Soup Recipe

Submitted by Sister Brown

Serves: 5-6

Ingredients:
3/4 cup onions, diced 1/8 inch
1 slice bacon, 1/4-inch diced (or I use the real bacon bits)
1 1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 ounce chicken bouillon
1 quart water
2 medium potatoes, cut in half length-wise, then cut in 1/4-inch slices
2 cups cavallo greens (kale can be substituted), cut in half, then sliced into 1/16-inch strips
1 1/2 cup sausage link - spicy, precooked, cut in half length-wise, then cut at an angle into 1/2-inch slices use I used spicy Italian sausage
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

1. Fry Italian sausage and onions in a large pot. Drain. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 min.
2. Add bacon bits, chicken bouillon, water and potatoes; bring to a simmer for 15 minutes. Add remaining ingredients then simmer for 5 more minutes and serve.

Alternate Directions:

1. Place sausage link onto sheet pan and bake in 300 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until done.
2. Place onions and bacon into 3 to 4 quart saucepan and cook onions over medium heat until the onions are almost clear. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken bouillon, water and potatoes; bring to a simmer for 15 minutes. Add remaining ingredients then simmer for 5 more minutes and serve.