Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb vegan Italian sausage (crumbled or sliced)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 medium head)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 1 1/2 cups kale, roughly chopped (or spinach)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Vegan Sausage:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the vegan Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Cauliflower and Broth:
- Add the cauliflower florets to the pot, along with the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
4. Add Kale, Coconut Milk, and Sausage:
- Stir in the chopped kale (or spinach), coconut milk, and cooked vegan sausage. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the greens are wilted and the flavors are well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
5. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm. Optionally, top with fresh parsley or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.):
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Protein: ~8g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sugars: ~3g
Tips:
- Thickening Option: If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the cauliflower florets with a fork to release their starchiness.
- Substitute for Coconut Milk: If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, use unsweetened cashew or almond milk with 1 tbsp of flour or cornstarch to thicken.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well.
This Vegan Zuppa Toscana Soup is cozy, creamy, and perfect for a comforting plant-based meal!