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Food & Wine Recipe

Silky Chestnut Soup

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  • ACTIVE: 25 MIN
  • TOTAL TIME: 1 HR
  • SERVINGS: 6
  • MAKE-AHEAD

  1. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  2. 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  3. 1 celery rib, finely chopped
  4. 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
  5. 2 cups cooked chestnuts (from one 14.8-ounce vacuum-packed jar)
  6. 1 cup ruby port
  7. 1 thyme sprig
  8. 3 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
  9. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  10. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  1. Melt the butter in a medium sauce-pan. Add the carrot, celery and onion and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the chestnuts and cook for 4 minutes. Add the port and thyme and cook over moderately high heat until the port is reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Cover partially and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Discard the thyme sprig. 
  2. Add the cream to the soup. Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender. Return the soup to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Suggested Pairing

A tart California sparkling wine will contrast with this creamy soup.