Simply Blooming Grace

There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that brings comfort like nothing else. Maybe it’s the way it fills the house with a rich, savory aroma or how it brings everyone around the table for a slow, cozy meal. Whatever it is, soup has always held a special place in our family.

My husband grew up with soup as a staple supper, a meal that wasn’t just nourishing but also carried memories of childhood—of sitting around the kitchen table with his siblings, dipping crackers into the bowl, and savoring every last bite. Wanting to bring back that nostalgia, I decided to make a version of Zuppa Toscana, a creamy, flavorful soup that quickly became a family favorite.

I first discovered this recipe when a friend brought it over after the birth of one of our babies. At the time, I was exhausted, adjusting to life with a newborn, and the thought of a home-cooked meal felt like a luxury. As I took my first bite, I remember thinking, this is exactly what I needed. The broth was rich, the potatoes tender, and the sausage added just the right amount of spice. It was hearty, filling, and left me feeling warm from the inside out.

Over the years, I’ve made a few tweaks to the original recipe to better suit our family’s taste. Some of my kids love onion, while others don’t care for the texture—so I’ll often blend the onion with water before adding it to the pot or swap it out entirely for onion powder. The boys also love to top their bowls with crushed Ritz crackers and shredded Parmesan cheese, adding a little crunch and extra flavor. Personally, I enjoy it just as it is—simple, creamy, and packed with comforting goodness.

Why This Soup is a Must-Try

What I love most about this soup is its versatility. It’s easy to make, yet tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.  Plus, it’s a fantastic meal for busy nights—it comes together in about 40 minutes, and the leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day.

Redlin’s Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground sausage (Italian or country)
• 1 chopped onion*
• 5-6 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 10 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp garlic powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp onion powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning blend
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2-3 cups fresh spinach

(*For those who dislike onion bits, blend the onion with water or substitute with onion powder.)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the sausage with the chopped onion, garlic, and spices. The sausage should be fully cooked, and the onions soft and fragrant.
2. Add the chicken broth and potatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil. Let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the fresh spinach. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
4. Turn off the heat and mix in the heavy cream, stirring gently to create a rich, velvety broth.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings—Parmesan cheese, crackers, or even a side of crusty bread.

A Meal to Share

I often think about how food has a way of telling stories. This soup started as a simple meal shared with me in a season of exhaustion, and now it’s become a dish my own family request again and again. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best meals aren’t the ones that require fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen, but rather the ones that bring people together in love and gratitude.