Zuppa Toscana

My husband and I sometimes spend our 'quality' time at 'Olive Garden' Restaurant in Tacoma, one of their menu that I like and now become our family favorite is 'Zuppa Toscana'..I bet it means 'Tuscany Soup'..sort of like that...it's perfect during this Fall and Winter Season.

Makes : 6-8 servings
Ingredients :
1 lb ground Italian Sausage
1 1/2 crushed red peppers
1 large diced white onion
4 Tbs bacon pieces
2 tsp garlic puree
10 cups water
5 cubes chicken bouillon
1 cup heavy cream (you can substitute with regular milk)
1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes
1/4 of a bunch of kale

Saute Italian Sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.
In the same pan, saute bacon, onions and garlic over low-medium heat for approximately 15 mins. or until the onions are soft.
Add chicken bouillon and water to the pot and heat until it starts to boil
Add the sliced potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour
Add the heavy cream and just cook until thoroughly heated.
Stir in the sausage and the kale, let all heat through and serve. Delicious..! Buon appetito..!
(from Tuscan Recipe, Olive Garden,someone who used to work there shared this recipe)
P.S :...I like to add shredded 'parmigiano regiano' cheese on top of it,..it's yumm!