Hearty Zuppa Toscana (Olive Garden Copycat Recipe)

water or meat broth

Yukon Gold Potatoes, medium size, sliced ⅛ inches thick (peeling potatoes is optional)

medium onion, peeled, diced

shredded carrots (optional)

bell pepper, diced

thin or 5 thick strips bacon, chopped

lbs Italian Sausage or ground meat of choice (chicken thigh, turkey or pork) + 1 tsp of Italian seasoning

heavy cream

kale, rinsed, stems removed, chopped

– 1½ Tbsp Salt

black peppercorns, freshly ground (to taste)

garlic, pressed/chopped

Olive Oil - for sauteing

chopped green scallions