Slice the red potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds and set aside. Remove kale stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces, then set aside. Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves fresh—I find freshly minced garlic makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to pre-minced. Cook the bacon slices in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and roughly chop once cooled.

Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot, then add the olive oil. Add the diced onion over medium-high heat and sauté for 2-3 minutes until starting to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base will develop the foundation of flavor for the entire soup.

Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the pot and cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks, until the meat is no longer pink and has started to brown. I like to let the sausage develop some color on the bottom of the pot—this browning creates deeper, richer flavors that will carry through the entire soup. Drain off excess fat if needed, leaving about a tablespoon to add to the broth.

Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine with the sausage and aromatics. Add the sliced potatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the liquid. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily pierced. The potatoes will thicken the soup slightly as they break down, creating a naturally creamy texture from the coconut milk. Taste and adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Stir in the torn kale and chopped bacon from Step 1. Simmer for 5 minutes until the kale is tender and wilted. The kale will add a slight earthiness and nutritional boost while the bacon brings back that smoky, savory element that ties everything together. Taste and adjust seasonings one final time before serving.