Creamy Chestnut Soup: A Taste of Autumn
Savor the Fall with Homemade Chestnut Soup!
Autumn has arrived in the mountains! Let’s capture the essence of fall by making a delightful chestnut soup using freshly gathered chestnuts. This soup offers a wonderfully smooth texture and a subtle, natural sweetness that will comfort and delight your senses. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the season’s bounty.
Main Ingredients- Peeled Chestnuts: 440g
- Onion: 1/2 medium
- Milk: 4 1/2 cups (approx. 900ml)
- Salt: to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To begin crafting our delicious chestnut soup, let’s prepare the chestnuts. Place the peeled chestnuts in a pot and add enough water to completely cover them. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become too mushy. Ten minutes should be just right for them to become tender.
Step 2
Once the chestnuts are cooked, drain them thoroughly using a colander. Ensuring they are well-drained will help achieve the desired creamy consistency for the soup.
Step 3
Now, let’s add a layer of flavor by sautéing the onion. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly julienned onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Once softened and translucent, remove the pan from the heat and let the onions cool slightly.
Step 4
While the chestnuts are draining, you can prepare some garnishes. Take a few of the cooked chestnuts and mash them lightly, or prepare a fresh sprig of herb. This step is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch.
Step 5
In a blender, combine the drained cooked chestnuts, the sautéed translucent onion, and 3 cups (approx. 600ml) of milk. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Chestnuts tend to absorb liquid as they cook, so using a generous amount of milk is key to achieving a silky smooth soup texture. Blending them well creates a beautiful chestnut puree.
Step 7
To finish the soup, pour the blended chestnut and onion mixture back into a clean pot. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups (approx. 300ml) of milk. Stir well and heat over medium-low heat. As the soup begins to simmer and bubble gently, reduce the heat further and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to your taste. Be mindful not to over-salt. Your delicious chestnut soup is now ready!
Step 8
Ladle the warm chestnut soup into serving bowls. For an elegant presentation, sprinkle with the reserved mashed chestnuts or place a fresh herb sprig on top.
Step 9
Enjoy this comforting bowl of chestnut soup, brimming with the flavors of autumn. Its velvety texture and delicate sweetness will warm you from the inside out, making it a perfect, nourishing dish for the fall season.
