Chestnut Mushroom Soup

Chestnut Mushroom Soup
Some of my best memories have to do with the weeks leading up to Christmas. These are cherished times spent with family and friends; and food is always front and center. It is these simple but extraordinary moments that we will keep in our hearts forever.

Chestnut Mushroom soup is elegant and delicious enough for these special times. In this recipe; cremini and shiitake mushrooms are paired with chestnuts that I purchased from Trader Joe’s that were already cooked and peeled. Everything was simmered together with the typical mirepoix and fresh thyme, and then pureed at the end. My husband remarked that while he enjoys my other creamy concoctions, this one was one of the best. Quite a compliment coming from him. Hope you give this soup a try. Happy Holidays!

Fun fact***Did you know that chestnuts are low in fat and have no cholesterol? Also they are the only nut with a serious amount of vitamin C. They also have a sweet, delicate, earthy like flavor which would make them taste wonderful in sweets too.

Chopped chestnuts, mushrooms, garlic and thyme
This recipe was adapted from Food and Wine.com. Chef Michael Tusk. 

yield: 4 to 6print recipe

Chestnut Mushroom Soup

prep time: 20 MINScook time: 55 MINStotal time: 75 mins
Chestnut Mushroom soup with fresh thyme is elegant and delicious; perfect for the holidays!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped
  • 3.5 ounces shiitake mushrooms, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • ½ medium onion, chopped small
  • 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, thinly sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 packs peeled and cooked chestnuts (Trader Joe’s)(chopped)
  • 8 sprigs thyme, tied into a bouquet (bakers string) plus a little extra for garnish
  • 1 ½ quarts chicken stock
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper as you go

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Set aside 2 cremini and 2 shiitake mushrooms, (they will be your garnish later).
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a heavy soup pot. Add mushrooms and sauté until mushrooms are lightly browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. De glaze with wine, remove from pot when liquid evaporates. Set aside.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then onion, celery and carrot. Sauté until veggies are tender about 10 minutes or so. Add garlic, stir constantly for 1 minute.
  4. Add back in mushrooms, thyme, broth and chestnuts. Let simmer about 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. (chestnuts will be easy to break apart). Taste, season with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Remove from heat, and discard thyme bouquet, let sit about 10 minutes. Now add the cream.
  6. In the meantime, slice the remaining mushrooms; and in a small skillet add remaining olive oil and mushrooms. Sauté until crisp and golden brown. Set aside.
  7. Next you can puree or use an immersion blender. If you like a smooth soup use a blender or food processor. I like to use the immersion blender because it leaves the soup a little chunky.
  8. To serve; ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy mushrooms and a few fresh thyme leaves, enjoy!
Created using The Recipes Generator

Comments

  1. Yet another dish Cheri that looks sumptuous, and I've no doubt would love! Happy Holiday Season!

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    1. Thanks Peggy, yes now the rush is on. Happy holidays to you and your family.

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  2. I wish I had this recipe last week when I had leftover chestnuts from my stuffing. Your soup looks wonderful and I see if Tader Joe's still has chestnuts. Chestnuts always remind me of Christmas.

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    1. Hi Gerlinde, chestnuts always remind me of Christmas too. Love the flavor. Happy holidays!

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  3. Oh wow! This looks fantastic for the holidays!! I would love to make this one :-)

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    1. Hi Susan! chestnuts are still pretty new to me but I absolutely adore them.

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  4. This sounds so lovely, I must try it! Sadly, my husband doesn't care for mushrooms, so I will have to plan this for when my parents are coming to visit.

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    1. Thanks Kris, hope you get a chance to try this. Happy holidays!

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  5. I wish I could lay my hands on some chestnuts. This looks delicious

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  6. Chestnuts are huge in Japan...Glad to hear they are low in fat and cholesterol
    =) Your creamy shiitake & chestnut does look to be very elegant!

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    1. Hi Kim, did not know that, always learning something interesting from you. Happy holidays!

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  7. Cheri:
    You're such a generous soul, it's no wonder the weeks leading up to Christmas are your favorite. And this soup looks divine. Some of my favorite memories include chestnuts, as my father used to buy me hot bags of these roasted gems on the streets on New York when I was a girl. Thank you so much for the reminder. Happy Holidays. D

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    1. What wonderful memories you have Dena, thank you for sharing. My husband remembers the same thing. That must have been magical. Happy holidays!

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  8. This soup looks so good and healthy to boot! Perfect for this festive time, Cheri. Have a lovely weekend.

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    1. Thanks Anu, we really enjoyed the flavor. This was the first time I have ever tasted chestnuts.

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  9. I've never eaten chestnut, but I would love to try this soup!:)

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    1. Hope you get a chance to try this Natalia, happy holidays!

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  10. Such a yummy soup, Cheri! Nothing says comfort food like homemade mushroom soup in this cold weather. Love this recipe with the chestnuts! It would make a perfect starter for Christmas dinner. Great shots, too!

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    1. Thanks Robyn, enjoying the cooler weather here too, probably not as cool as where you are. Take care!

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  11. Looks so delicious. .here is winter season in India...have to make it

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    1. Thanks Moumita, sounds like we are in the same seasons, it is winter here as well. Take care!

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  12. Just finished all my chestnuts...tomorrow I need to get some more so I can make this delicious and creamy soup too.

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    1. Thanks Angie, chestnuts are pretty new to me but I think they are wonderful. Looking for new recipes.

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  13. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.....now that is one delicious and rich soup and so festive. I can't wait to try it. Great starter or lunch with some good crusty bread. You are making me hungry!

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    1. Thanks Bobbi, learned a lot about chestnuts the last few days and I can't wait to get my hands on more. Happy holidays!

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  14. I love chestnuts and this soup is so yummilicious ^-^!

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    1. Thanks Karen, hope everything is going well, loved your tri-color cake.

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  15. I agree with you that the weeks leading up to Christmas are very special - busy but treasured. I love the sound of your soup. I wish we could buy some of those chestnuts from Trader Joe's here in Oz xx

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    1. Thanks Charlie, wish we had another week or two before Christmas but I guess that what makes this time of year so special. Happy Holidays!

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  16. It's my favorite time of year too :) Love this soup, it looks so creamy and perfect for the season!

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  17. I've made a chestnut soup and we loved it, but adding those mushrooms would take it over the top. Fabulous recipe, Cheri! Perfect for a holiday first course.

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    1. Hi Barbara, wow! never heard of just chestnut soup before, will have to try it. Happy Holidays!!

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  18. I want to have this so badly! I just adore chestnuts and love the combination with mushrooms. A great winter, holiday soup!

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    1. Thanks Monica, now that I know what chestnuts taste like I know that I would love your chestnut cream.

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  19. This sounds delightful. I read the recipe as chestnut mushroom soup not chestnuts and mushrooms. I am now dying to try it.

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    1. Thanks Choclette, hope you enjoy this as much as we did, appreciate you stopping by.

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  20. This looks like a perfect holiday soup--harkening back to those chestnuts roasting on an open fire!

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    1. Yes, but at least these chestnuts were already cooked and peeled, thanks Inger.

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  21. I really agree with you, Cheri - the food memories around the holidays are the best and some of my favorite. Soups were front and center every holiday and my mother would have loved this soup. Me, too! And, I have a package of those Trader Joe chestnuts... but it is going to have to wait until January!

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    1. Thats right, Have a wonderful trip and happy holidays!

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  22. Cheri, I'm so glad I've finally had a chance to come read your post about this soup! I will go get some chestnuts from Trader Joe's and I cannot wait to try this soup. This is such a terrific Christmas Eve recipe! I've already printed it out :)

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    1. Thanks Marcelle, hope you enjoy this as much as we did, this was the first time I tried chestnuts and I really enjoyed them. Happy Holidays!

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