Creamy Chestnut and Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice
• 1 cup (250ml) vegetable broth 1 cup (250ml) vegetable broth
• 2 cups (500ml) water 2 cups (500ml) water
• 1 cup (250ml) chestnut puree 1 cup (250ml) chestnut puree
• 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the Arborio rice to the pot and stir well to coat the grains with the oil. Cook for a minute or two until the rice becomes slightly toasted.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in the chestnut puree and heavy cream, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving.
7. 7.
   Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chestnut puree — If you can't find chestnut puree, you can make your own by roasting and peeling chestnuts, then blending them until smooth. Alternatively, you can substitute with canned chestnut puree.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more rustic texture, you can leave some chestnut pieces slightly chunky when blending the chestnut puree.
• If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more vegetable broth or water to the soup.
• Serve the soup with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Creamy Chestnut and Rice Soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve it in beautiful ceramic bowls to enhance the visual appeal.