Chestnut Soup With Bacon Velout 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.

FAST, EASY, ELEGANT CHESTNUT SOUP

Steps:

• This is really easy.
• Put everything except the cream, salt and pepper in a soup pot.
• Bring to boil, turn dow, and cook gently for 30 minutes.
• Mush up the chestnuts a bit with a fork.
• Decide if you want the soup a bit chunky, or really smooth.
• I prefer the smooth version.
• For both, use immersion blender to the point where you like the look of the soup for a chunky version.
• For the really smooth version, blend in blender after using the immersion blender until it reaches the consistency you like.
• Taste, check for seasoning, add salt and pepper, stir in cream.
• If it is too thick, add a bit of stock or water.
• I liked it best a bit thick.