Creamy Chestnut Soup Recipes

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.

Steps:

• Combine porcini mushrooms and 2 cups hot water in medium bowl. Let stand until porcini mushrooms, soften, about 15 minutes.
• In a saucepan melt butter and add carrots, celery, parsnips and shallots. Saute until tender. Add bouquet garni and chicken stock.
• Using slotted spoon, transfer porcini mushrooms into saucepan with chicken broth. Add porcini-soaking liquid to saucepan, leaving sediment behind in bowl. Add chestnuts and salt and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth, return soup to saucepan. Add Sherry. Bring soup to simmer, correct seasonings adding salt and pepper, to taste. Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool slightly and refrigerate. Re-warm over medium heat before continuing.
• Ladle soup into bowls. Top with vegetables, and garnish with leeks.

Steps:

• Make a bouquet of herbs by tying the sprigs of parsley and thyme together with butcher twine. Set aside a few of the chestnuts; chop into small pieces (these will be used as a garnish later).
• Place butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, carrot celery and chestnuts. Cook until vegetables start to soften, about 5-6 minutes; add salt and pepper, bay leaves, nutmeg and the herb boquet.
• Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil; simmer for 30-35 minutes, until chestnuts are soft.
• Remove the herb bouquet and bay leaves. Pour soup into a blender and purée.
• Return to saucepan and add both types of cream; keep at low heat until ready to to serve.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream, a sprig of fresh thyme and some chopped chestnuts.
• DELICIOUS!