PARSLEY-ROOT SOUP WITH TRUFFLED CHESTNUTS

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Parsley-Root Soup with Truffled Chestnuts image

Floating on the surface of this pale, silky soup, which tastes of the essence of parsley, is a trompe l'oeil surprise: What looks like shaved truffles is actually thinly sliced chestnuts, adding a nutty sweetness.

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups chopped onion (1 large)
3 garlic cloves, chopped
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 pounds parsley root (about 4 1/2 pounds total with tops), tops discarded and root peeled and chopped
3 (4- to 5-inch) sprigs thyme
1 Turkish bay leaf or 1/2 California
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
6 cups water
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8 to 10 peeled roasted whole chestnuts (from a 7-ounce jar)

Steps:

  • Cook onion and garlic in butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add parsley root, thyme, bay leaf, white pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until parsley root begins to soften, 8 to 10 minutes. Add water and broth and simmer, partially covered, until parsley root is very tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Discard thyme and bay leaf and stir in oil. Purée soup in batches in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), transferring to a bowl. If soup is too thick, thin to desired consistency with water. Season with salt, then return to cleaned pot to keep warm, covered, until ready to serve.
  • Shave chestnuts with an adjustable-blade slicer or sharp vegetable peeler as thinly as possible over each serving.

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