Start by heating a large soup pot over medium heat.
Once it's hot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Then, toss in the finely chopped garlic, onion, and all those flavorful spices - kosher salt, fennel seeds, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Let them sizzle and release their aromatic goodness for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and the spices become fragrant.
Add the Italian Chicken Sausage to the pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into bite-sized pieces. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the pink color is gone.
Next, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.
After that, pour in those 8 cups of chicken broth or stock and toss in a dried bay leaf. Crank up the heat to high and let the mixture come to a rolling boil.
Once it's bubbling away, add the Lacinato Kale.
Cover the pot immediately and lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the kale becomes tender and blends perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.
Take your soup off the heat and bid farewell to the bay leaf (if you can spot it!).
Slowly stir in the can of full-fat coconut milk
Ladle your Italian Chicken Sausage and Kale Soup into bowls, and you're ready to enjoy a steaming bowl of comfort. It's hearty, it's flavorful, and it's downright satisfying.