Croatian Chestnut Soup

Ingredients

In the original Portuguese Sopa de castanhas, the soup is typically made with onions, garlic, and potatoes, along with chestnuts. However, in the Croatian adaptation, we omit the potatoes to create a smoother and lighter texture. Additionally, we incorporate Croatian herbs and spices to infuse the soup with the flavors of the region. We alse have the original recipe for Sopa de castanhas, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) chestnuts, peeled 500g (1.1 lb) chestnuts, peeled
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable broth
• 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 8g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the peeled chestnuts to the pot and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chestnuts are tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth.
5. 5.
   Return the pot to the stove over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Cook the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. 7.
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chestnuts — Make sure to peel the chestnuts before using them in the soup. To peel them easily, make a small incision on the flat side of each chestnut and boil them for a few minutes. The shells will then be easier to remove.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a splash of white wine to the soup while simmering the chestnuts for an extra layer of flavor.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more vegetable broth until desired thickness is achieved.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian Chestnut Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Accompany the soup with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of the Croatian Chestnut Soup, drizzle a swirl of cream on top of each bowl before garnishing with fresh parsley. This adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal to the dish.