Warm, creamy, and festive, this Christmas Chestnut Soup combines the rich flavor of roasted chestnuts with crispy smoked bacon. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s a comforting and elegant starter that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 oz smoked bacon (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 4 oz pasta (small shapes like ditalini or orzo work well)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 cup (about 240 ml) milk
- 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) water
- 1 cup cooked chestnuts (about 8-10 chestnuts)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fry the bacon: In a large pot, fry the bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove half of the bacon and set it aside. Keep the rest in the pot.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add olive oil to the pot with the bacon, then add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add pasta and seasonings: Add the pasta, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook the soup: Add the chicken bouillon cube, milk, water, and chestnuts to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the soup thickens slightly.
- Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Top the soup with the reserved bacon pieces and serve hot. Enjoy this festive, creamy chestnut and bacon soup!
