Chestnut Soup With Bacon Velouté De Chataignes Et Bacon Recipes

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 SOUP

Steps:

• Mix purée and stock in a large saucepan, and cook for 30 minutes over medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add nutmeg, cayenne, and cream, and stir well.
• Do not let soup boil once the cream has been added, or it might curdle.
• Serve in mugs, garnished with paprika and parsley.
• TO MAKE PURÉE: If chestnuts are fresh, cut an X in each one and then simmer in water to cover for 15 minutes or roast in the oven 15 to 20 minutes at 375°F.
• Peel chestnuts and purée, adding a bit of the stock if necessary.

CHESTNUT SOUP

Steps:

• Preparing the Chestnuts - Roasting Method: Preheat oven to 400 degree F. Using a sharp paring knife, make a shallow horizontal cut into the chestnut meat, all around the chestnut. Repeat with each one. After slicing each chestnut, place them on an oven proof pan and roast until tender, about 30- to 40 minutes. Work as quickly as possible, it's easiest when they are still warm. Use a dish towel to hold each chestnut as you peel them so you don't burn your fingers. Remove the shell and brown papery skin underneath. Set aside and repeat with the remaining chestnuts.
• Preparing the Chestnuts - Boiling Method: Place chestnuts in a pot, large enough to hold them, and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until tender. Peel as above. Remove them from the hot water only as you peel them, keeping the others warm. Set aside.
• In a 4 quart pan, heat the olive oil with the butter and paprika. Add the onion and sauté it until it turns golden. Add the garlic and cook just until the garlic is aromatic.
• Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the chestnuts and simmer for 10 minutes on medium-low. Remove six chestnuts from the pot and set aside. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the bread to the pot and allow the bread to absorb the broth and become mushy. Using a stick blender, puree the soup.
• Pour the soup through a sieve, pressing it through. Return the soup to the pot and add the cilantro or parsley. Keep warm until serving. Just before serving, quickly stir in the cream.
• Garnish each bowl with a whole or crumbled chestnut.
• Variation: After straining the soup, return to the boil and add ¼ to 1/3 cup short -grain rice to the pot. Simmer 10 minutes, then continue as written.

ROASTED CHESTNUT SOUP

Steps:

• Roast chestnuts in a 375 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Whether you're using fresh, canned or vacuum packed chestnuts you still need to do this step.
• While chestnuts are roasting, heat oil in 4 quart pot over medium high heat. Add butter. Allow oil and butter to melt together. Add in onions, carrots, celery and saute for 8 to 10 minutes until they are softened. Add soy sauce and chestnuts. Cook for 2-3 minutes over medium high heat. Stir frequently. Add water. Bring to a simmer. Leave uncovered and continue simmering for 25 to 30 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Add parsley and sage.
• Using an immersion or standard blender, puree soup. After pureeing the soup you can stir in the wine if you'd like. Serve!