Roasted Chestnut and Hazelnut Soup

Note: Always puncture the shells of chestnuts before cooking to prevent explosion(!). To do this carve an X into the bottom end of the shell with a paring knife, taking care not to puncture the nut inside. To roast chestnuts over a fire, place the scored nuts in a foil pie tin punched with holes, sprinkle with water, and place directly on hot coals. Shake a few times during the roasting to prevent charring. When a fire is not roaring and ready for nuts, any oven will work. Roast the nuts at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or so, until the scored corners of the skin curl back, and peel while still hot. Alternatively, to boil place the scored nuts in a saucepan and cover with either milk or cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 25 minutes, then peel.

1/2 lb peeled chestnuts (roasted, boiled or pre-packaged), roughly chopped

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/3 cup bacon or pancetta, diced

1 large yellow onion, chopped

5 ribs celery, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup dry white wine

6 cups rich chicken stock

1 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skinned and coarsely chopped

1 cup heavy cream

3 tablespoons Frangelico (optional)

salt and pepper, to taste

 

Melt the butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the bacon or pancetta, onion, celery, carrots, garlic and thyme. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Add the wine and stock, and stir in the chopped chestnuts. Heat to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered 45 minutes, or until everything is soft and the flavors have blended.  Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the hazelnuts, cream and Frangelico. Puree the soup in batches in a blender or in the pot with an immersion blender until it’s as smooth as you can get it. Pour into a clean pot, taste and adjust seasonings, and rewarm gently. Ladle the soup into small bowls and garnish with a dollop of crème fraîche.