Bacon Chestnut Soup

Bacon Chestnut Soup

Ingredients

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

Recipe

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.