White Lily Diner's Minestrone Soup

10 mins Prep Time

45 mins Cook Time

Written By

Robin Winship

Mecca of comfort food, the White Lily Diner has grown into an institution for monster meatloaf and turkey sandwiches, full-monty breakfasts and fresh cream-filled donuts. A no-frills diner where chefs, locals and tourists alike love to dine-in, we were sad to see the restaurant close up shop due to COVID-19. As we are all missing Saturday breakfast at the White Lily Diner, in the meantime, try this recipe for their minestrone soup. As owner Ben Denham says, "Minestrone is one of those dishes that many can identify with. An easy one pot comfort food recipe that can be made with simple ingredients most have in their fridge and pantry. We make this at home frequently with a nice loaf of bread for dinner and enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day."

Ingredients

Minestrone Soup

1 carrot, diced
1 onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 lb Italian sausage (casing removed)
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 bunch kale (stems removed, roughly torn)
1 litre of chicken stock
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can chickpeas
1 tbs dried oregano
1 tbs smoked paprika
1/2 tbs crushed fennel seed
Pinch of chili flakes
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1/2 grated parmesan
2 bay leaves
1 cup ditali or other small dried pasta

Directions

Minestrone Soup

7 Steps

Step 1

Place an 8 quart dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown sausage meat until lightly caramelized.
Step 2

Add carrots, onion and celery, season with salt and pepper and turn heat down to medium low. Gently saute until lightly browned.
Step 3

Add garlic and gently saute until translucent.
Step 4

Add stock, tomatoes, spices and chickpeas. Turn down to low heat and simmer for 20 minutes, covered.
Step 5

Add ditali and kale. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for another 15 minutes, covered.
Step 6

Adjust seasoning and check for doneness of pasta.
Step 7

Add chopped parsley and serve garnished with a drizzle of good olive oil and a spoonful of parmesan.