Chestnut soup, a creamy and savory dish, is a delightful and nutritious delicacy. Originating in various parts of the world, this versatile soup is commonly prepared using roasted or boiled chestnuts, vegetable broth, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. Its velvety texture and nutty flavor make it a comforting meal, perfect for chilly days. This article presents three distinct recipes for chestnut soup: a classic French version, a hearty Italian variation, and a vegan alternative. Each recipe offers unique ingredients and cooking techniques, catering to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Whether you seek a traditional or innovative take on this culinary gem, these recipes will guide you in creating a delectable and satisfying chestnut soup that will impress your taste buds and warm your soul.
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CHESTNUT SOUP
My Aunt Anne started a new tradition several years ago with this fabulous addition to our family holiday dinner. Originally submitted to ThanksgivingRecipe.com.
Provided by Carla A.
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- To Cook Chestnuts: With a sharp knife, slice an 'X' across each chestnut. Place chestnuts in a single layer on a jelly roll pan. Pour 1/4 cup water into the pan. Bake in a preheated 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) oven for 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, shell and peel.
- In a large saucepan combine the chicken stock, shelled chestnuts and chopped onions. Place the parsley sprigs, cloves and bay leaf in a spice bag and add to the chicken stock mixture. Simmer over medium-low heat for 45 minutes.
- Discard the spice bag and puree the chestnut mixture in a food processor or blender. Add the heavy cream, sugar and salt and pepper to taste. Return mixture to saucepan and gently heat through. To serve to with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream, a bit of chopped parsley and some cooked chopped chestnuts just before serving. High quality vegetable broth can be substituted for the chicken broth.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 329.7 calories, Carbohydrate 56.1 g, Cholesterol 33.8 mg, Fat 9.6 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 1299.6 mg, Sugar 15.2 g
CHESTNUT SOUP WITH BACON AND CHIVES
Steps:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook bacon until rendered and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off all but 1 teaspoon of the fat. In the same saucepan, melt the butter, and add the carrot, celery, leek, and shallots. Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-low heat until softened and golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add broth and chestnuts to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer, partially cover, and cook until all the ingredients are soft, about 30 minutes. Let cool slightly, and purée in batches in a blender until very smooth. Return to saucepan, add the cream, and heat thoroughly, adding stock to thin if needed. (A spoon should not leave a trail on the surface of the soup.)
- Season with salt and pepper and ladle into warmed shallow bowls. Garnish with the reserved bacon, a dab of crème fraîche, chives, and a pinch of nutmeg.
CHESTNUT-MUSHROOM SOUP
Closely identified with French cuisine, chestnut soups are low in fat. For a velvety smooth texture, pass soup through a fine strainer after the mixture has been processed and before adding the cream.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Soups, Stews & Stocks Soup Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a paring knife, make an incision in each chestnut about 1/8-inch deep through the shell and into the flesh, cutting almost all the way around nut. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until chestnuts are tender when pierced with the paring knife, about 35 minutes. Turn off oven. Leaving sheet in oven, remove several chestnuts at a time. Working quickly, place each chestnut in a kitchen towel, and remove and discard shell and inner skin.
- Roughly chop all but 2 cremini and 2 shiitake mushrooms. Heat 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil in a small stockpot over medium-high heat. Add chopped mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper. Cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add onion, garlic, and thyme sprigs. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 8 minutes. Add all but 4 peeled chestnuts, and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Add stock and the water, raise heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until chestnuts are falling-apart tender, about 1 hour. Remove and discard thyme sprigs, and let soup cool slightly.
- Pass soup through a fine sieve into a bowl; transfer solids in batches to a food processor or blender, and puree until completely smooth. Add strained liquid, and process 1 minute. Return soup to stockpot, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cut the remaining 4 chestnuts and 4 mushrooms into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Melt remaining tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Saute sliced chestnuts and mushrooms until crisp and golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Just before serving, heat soup over low. Stir in cream, and remove from heat. Ladle soup into shallow bowls; garnish with sauteed chestnuts and mushrooms and the thyme leaves.
CHESTNUT SOUP
A classic and easy to make Chestnut Soup recipe.
Categories Soup/Stew Milk/Cream Blender Thanksgiving Quick & Easy Fortified Wine Fall Chestnut Simmer Gourmet
Yield Makes 6 to 8 first-course servings (makes about 8 cups)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Melt butter in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over low heat, then stir in celery, carrot, and onion. Cover surface of vegetables with a buttered round of wax paper or parchment (buttered side down) and cover pan with lid, then sweat vegetables 15 minutes (to soften).
- Wrap parsley, cloves, and bay leaf in cheesecloth and tie into a bundle with string to make a bouquet garni.
- Discard buttered paper from vegetables, then add broth and bouquet garni and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 20 minutes. Add chestnuts and Madeira and simmer, covered, 3 minutes.
- Purée soup in small batches (4 or 5) in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), transferring to a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan. Stir in cream, pepper, and salt to taste and reheat soup over moderate heat, stirring occasionally.
CELERY ROOT AND CHESTNUT SOUP WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS
This soup, which came to The Times from executive chef Michael Anthony of New York City's Gramercy Tavern, has a white, soft and silky base, but each bite has a surprising new texture.
Provided by Tara Parker-Pope
Categories soups and stews, appetizer
Time 1h10m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Prepare the soup. Sweat the onions, celery, leeks and garlic in a small amount of olive oil until soft without browning, for about 5 minutes. Add celery root and sweat for 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add milk and then add water to cover, and simmer for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Puree the milk mixture in a blender with 1 teaspoon olive oil and lemon juice. Strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- Prepare the chestnut puree. Saute shallots, garlic, thyme and chestnuts over medium heat for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan by adding the Calvados. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add water and simmer until tender. Puree the mixture in a blender, adding water to adjust consistency.
- To plate (per serving): Pour 5 ounces (5/8 cup) of celery root soup and 1/4 cup of chestnut puree into each bowl. Garnish each bowl with diced celery root, carrots, turnips and roasted chestnuts.
CHESTNUT PUREE FOR CELERY ROOT SOUP WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND CHESTNUTS
This puree is used as a garnish for chef Michael Anthony's Celery Root Soup with Brussels Sprouts and Chestnuts.Photo credit: Ellen Silverman
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Nuts & Seeds
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Using a small sharp knife or a chestnut knife, carve an "X" in the flat side of each chestnut. Place chestnuts in an even layer, "X" side-down on a baking sheet. Transfer to oven and roast until opened, 10 to 12 minutes. Peel immediately, using a towel if chestnuts are too hot to touch; coarsely chop.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent. Add chestnuts and cook for about 1 minute. Add vegetable stock; bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add molasses, maple syrup, and roasted garlic. Bring to a simmer and continue cooking until chestnuts are soft, about 30 minutes more. Working in batches, carefully transfer to the jar of a blender; blend until smooth.
EASY CHESTNUT SOUP
Delightful soup made with chestnuts toasted in butter, chicken or vegetable stock, vegetables, and Madeira wine. You can substitute Marsala for the Madeira. Serve hot with a spoonful of sour cream and a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This soup can be made up to 2 days in advance.
Provided by Laurie Tarasiewicz
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Vegetable Soup Recipes
Time 50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Saute the chestnuts in butter until heated through; set aside.
- Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter in a large pot, and stir in the carrot, parsnip, and celery root. Cook and stir until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the stock, chestnuts, and wine. Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to simmer.
- Simmer for 15 minutes; season with nutmeg, salt and pepper and fresh parsley. Puree the soup in a food processor or blender a little at a time, or use an immersion blender. Garnish each serving with sour cream, if desired, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 385.2 calories, Carbohydrate 56 g, Cholesterol 34.4 mg, Fat 15.2 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 8.7 g, Sodium 796.6 mg, Sugar 13.2 g
CHESTNUT SOUP
Provided by Food Network
Time 55m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat butter in a medium saucepan. Add the onion, celery and carrot and saute a few minutes to begin the cooking process. Sprinkle on the flour and cook a minute or until slightly browned. Add the broth, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until tender. Add chestnuts or puree and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes longer.
- Puree in a blender or food processor and return to a saucepan to reheat. If too thin, simmer over low heat, stirring continuously until thickened or if too thick, add more liquid. Season to taste with salt and pepper, add a dash of Madeira and ladle out. Garnish with sour cream and chives if you wish.
CREAMY CHESTNUT-MUSHROOM SOUP WITH SAUTEED ROOT VEGETABLES
Categories Soup/Stew Milk/Cream Mushroom Vegetable Sauté Root Vegetable Winter Chestnut Bon Appétit
Yield Makes 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Combine porcini mushrooms and 3 cups hot water in medium bowl. Let stand until porcini mushrooms soften, about 15 minutes.
- Using slotted spoon, transfer porcini mushrooms to heavy large saucepan. Add porcini soaking liquid to saucepan, leaving any sediment behind in bowl. Add vegetable stock and chestnuts to same saucepan. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return soup to saucepan. Add cream and 1 tablespoon Sherry. Bring soup to simmer. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before continuing.)
- Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, carrot and rutabaga; sauté until tender and beginning to brown, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon Sherry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with vegetables and serve.
- *Porcini mushrooms are available at Italian markets, specialty foods stores and many supermarkets nationwide.
PUMPKIN-CHESTNUT SOUP
Whole peeled chestnuts add structure to this pumpkin soup, texture that's important if the squash is too watery.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onions; cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the stock, pumpkin, potatoes, and chestnuts; simmer over medium heat until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In batches, process mixture in a food processor until smooth (if soup is too thick, gradually add more stock). Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir in cream to taste, and garnish with pumpkin seeds, if desired.
KABOCH SQUASH AND CHESTNUT SOUP WITH CHIPOTLE CRèME FRAîCHE
Provided by Patricia Yeo
Categories Soup/Stew Pepper Appetizer Bake Squash Port Red Wine Fall Chestnut Bon Appétit Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- For chipotle crème frache:
- Combine Port, wine, chilies, and tomato paste in heavy small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to thick paste, stirring often, about 12 minutes. Transfer to small bowl; cool. Fold in crème fraîche. Cover and chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 week.
- For soup:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush baking sheet with oil. Place squash halves, cut side down, on prepared sheet. Bake squash until very tender, about 1 hour. Scoop squash from skins. Measure 6 cups squash and transfer to large pot (reserve any remaining squash for another use). Add broth and chestnuts to pot. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer soup uncovered until chestnuts are very tender, about 30 minutes. Mix maple syrup into soup. Puree soup in batches in blender until very smooth; return to same pot. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Refrigerate until cold, then cover and keep refrigerated.)
- Rewarm soup. Ladle into bowls. Top each serving with chipotle crème fraîche.
ZUPPA DI CASTAGNE: CHESTNUT SOUP
Steps:
- Put the olive oil, garlic, and shallot in a deep pot over medium heat. Cook for a few minutes, or until the garlic turns golden in color. Add the tomato puree, and chestnuts, and cook for another minute. Add the vegetable stock and bring the soup to a boil. Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste. Reduce the heat, and let simmer for about 40 minutes. Before serving in individual bowls, sprinkle the soup with chopped parsley and croutons.
CREAM OF BRUSSEL SPROUT AND CHESTNUT SOUP
Steps:
- In a large pot, heat oil and butter, saute onion until transparent, then add garlic. Fry for another 2 minutes. Add Brussel sprouts and the stock and cook for 8 minutes or until the Brussel sprouts are tender. Add chestnuts, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook for a further 5 minutes. Take off heat and allow to cool slightly. Process the mixture with a hand blender (or a food processor) until smooth. Pour processed and reserved soup back into the pot, add cream and heat for a further 2-3 minutes until hot. Season to taste. Serve in prewarmed bowls with freshly chopped parsley and crusty bread.
Tips:
- Choose fresh chestnuts: Look for chestnuts that are plump and shiny, with no signs of mold or damage.
- Score the chestnuts before roasting: This will help them roast evenly and prevent them from exploding.
- Roast the chestnuts until they are tender: The chestnuts should be easy to peel and have a slightly sweet flavor.
- Use a high-quality vegetable broth: The broth is the base of the soup, so it's important to use a good one. Look for a broth that is low in sodium and has a rich flavor.
- Don't overcook the soup: The chestnuts should be tender, but they should not be mushy. Overcooking the soup will make it bland and watery.
- Season the soup to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You may also want to add a splash of cream or milk for a richer flavor.
Conclusion:
Chestnut soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your soup thick or thin, creamy or chunky, there is a chestnut soup recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a warm and comforting meal, give chestnut soup a try.
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