Comments on: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana II

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:07:52 +0000

I appreciate your suggestions. I think your suggestions will make this better than what the Olive Garden makes. Love your additional suggestions, while that won’t make exactly what they do, it will make very tasty soup!

By: Chef Mark

Chef Mark — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:04:22 +0000

This recipe will make a close clone of the OG soup, but I beg to offer a few tips to make it much better than the OG:

1) Use 1/2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley instead of the kale — it’s less harsh, and adds a better hint of freshness
2) Use yellow potatoes instead of Russets — they are far less likely to crumble and dissolve after so much simmering
3) Sauté the sausage & bacon, reserve some of the bacon fat and sauté the onions until brown, add the garlic until fragrant (30 seconds), THEN, add it to the broth & water; it greatly increases the flavor
4) The OG version is too watery — don’t be afraid to add a little corn starch/water thickener or use some of the bacon fat & flour to make a roux to thicken the soup up a bit

By: pima

pima — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:41:04 +0000

If you want to make it closer to the OG recipe, you should add in a 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes. It gives you the kick!

Also, I typically cook the sausage the night before when I am making dinner for that night. Cool it over night and then slice the sausage.

The soup makes alot. I would say 6-8 servings. If you have a Panerra Bread by you, buy the soup bowls and use them. I do it that way for entertaining a luncheon with the OG salad.

I do go to our local OG for the salad, because it is cheaper than me making it!

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:12:14 +0000

I’ve made a very similar recipe, as well! It’s the Caldo Verde, from The Joy of Cooking…and I had no idea, but my roommate told me that it was just like her favorite soup from Olive Garden. The only difference is that it does not include cream (or any dairy). So light and tasty, though! And a LOT of fun to make! The recipe is on my blog!

By: Spencer

Spencer — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:43:14 +0000

I too was looking for the chicken gnocchi soup but all I found was the chicken gnocchi veronese. Oh and yes, this soup is as good as Olive Gardens.

By: Lance

Lance — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:04:48 +0000

Bonnie
The Olive Gardens’ new ‘Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is actually on the olive garden website step for step on how to make it under recipe search.

By: Robbie

Robbie — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:01:59 +0000

I added a touch of oregano to this recipe.

By: A Magical Childhood

A Magical Childhood — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:42:40 +0000

Anybody know the calorie count on this? My husband loves the Olive Garden version but with a cup of heavy cream and sausage I’m afraid to think of how fattening it is.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:31:12 +0000

Amy, that is a brilliant swap for those potatoes. I am sure it is just as good as with potatoes.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:23:11 +0000

I have made this soup with cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lower carb version. My family couldn’t even tell the difference! Great recipe!

By: Sherry

Sherry — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:29:28 +0000

Ok I made the soup. I loved it. I added some spice (extra pepper) to get the heat of the olive garden. My husband add "Petes Red Hot". I was glad it was not too "spice hot" because my kids loved it and asked for more. I bought too much kale so that means i have to make another yummy batch this time with spicy sausage (not really sad about this) Thanks for the awesome recipe.

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:38:25 +0000

One word, four syllables…Phenomenal!!!
Thank you so much for this recipe!!!…and I have to agree with the above posts…better than the Olive Garden version!

By: Simone

Simone — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:21:25 +0000

I tried the recipe today and my family loved it. Actually, it’s better than the Olive Garden version. Yum Yum…

By: Sheri

Sheri — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:45:06 +0000

Very good recipe! I love this soup at Olive Garden and have been wanting to give it a try at home. YUM!

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:20:31 +0000

We just love this soup. I think it taste even better because it is alittle thicker than Olive Gardens sometimes is. Our family is hoping someone comes up with Olive Gardens’ new ‘Chicken Gnocchi Soup,also. It is scrumptous!!