CATEGORY:
Soups
SERVES:
6
Chestnut And Hazelnut Winter Soup
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup whole chestnuts
- 1/2 cup whole hazelnuts
- 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf Salt and white pepper to taste
- Crispy pancetta for garnish
METHOD / INSTRUCTIONS
- Score chestnuts with an X on the flat side.
- Roast chestnuts in a 425°F oven for 20-25 minutes until shells curl. Let chestnuts cool, then peel and chop.
- Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté leeks and celery for 5-6 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add chopped chestnuts, broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer for 20 minutes until chestnuts are very tender.
- Remove thyme and bay leaf.
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Stir in heavy cream. Roughly chop toasted hazelnuts. Season with salt and white pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped hazelnuts and crispy pancetta.