CHESTNUT SOUP WITH BACON AND CHIVES

Chestnut Soup with Bacon and Chives image

Provided by Susan Spungen

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced (about 4 ounces)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 carrot, sliced
1 celery stalk, sliced
1 small leek (white and light-green parts only), split lengthwise and sliced (about 1 cup)
2 small shallots, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
5 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
1 15-ounce jar whole roasted chestnuts
1/2 cup heavy cream
Crème fraîche, snipped chives, and grated nutmeg, for garnish

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.