Chestnut Soup & Chili Cinnamon Croutons

Chestnut Soup & Chili Cinnamon Croutons

Chestnut Soup & Chili Cinnamon Croutons

Chestnut Soup & Chili Cinnamon Croutons

November 7, 2024 by Kimberly

Cozy up with this creamy chestnut soup, bursting with earthy sweetness and a hint of spice. Perfect for chilly days, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Pure comfort.

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TOTAL TIME

35 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

When the chill of fall hits, there’s nothing like a rich, velvety chestnut soup to warm things up. This soup blends the earthy sweetness of roasted chestnuts with a creamy texture that feels luxurious but easy. And, just to give it that something extra, a sprinkle of chili-cinnamon croutons adds a spicy, toasty crunch that makes every spoonful a delight. It’s like wrapping up in your favorite blanket – just with a bit more flavor and spice!

This soup is best served in a cozy bowl, topped generously with chili-cinnamon croutons that bring a mix of heat and warm spice to the creamy chestnut base. A little drizzle of olive oil or try adding a drizzle of this leeks oil as a topping or add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also add a fresh contrast to the roasted, nutty flavors. Pair it with a simple salad or even a slice of rustic bread on the side for a full, comforting meal that feels like it’s made for sharing. 

Just store any cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the croutons separate so they stay crunchy. Reheat the soup gently on the stove and add the croutons just before serving!

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Chestnut Soup & Chili Cinnamon Croutons
Chestnut Soup & Chili Cinnamon Croutons

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Chestnut Soup & Chili Cinnamon Croutons

Chestnut Soup & Chili Cinnamon Croutons


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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 4 to 6

Description

Recommended Equipment

  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • medium pot
  • immersion blender
  • pan

Ingredients

Units Scale
SOUP
  • 400 grams vacuum-packed chestnuts
  • 1 shallot
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 600 milliliters beef stock
  • 200 milliliters heavy cream
  • fresh thyme
  • nutmeg, salt & pepper to taste
CROUTONS
  • 2 slices white toast bread
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the onion. Roughly chop the pre-cooked chestnuts and set both aside.
  2. Heat a medium pot over medium heat with a bit of olive oil, then sauté the onions until translucent. Next, add the chestnuts and let them cook for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the beef broth and cream to the pot, bring to a boil, then cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, until the chestnuts are soft.
  4. While the soup is cooking, heat a large pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Meanwhile, cut the toast into cubes. Add cinnamon, dried chili flakes and salt to the butter, stirring well. Add the toast cubes and toss so they’re evenly coated in the spiced butter. Cook for a few minutes until the cubes are crispy. Set aside.
  5. Add thyme to the soup and blend everything with an immersion blender until smooth. Season the soup with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and more thyme if needed.
  6. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with cream and leek oil, and top with the toasted croutons. Optionally, sprinkle with a bit more ground pepper and enjoy!
  • Passive Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min

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Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions

December 22, 2023 by Kimberly

A classic French dish, features tender beef slow-cooked in red wine, complemented by flavorful veggies. Served alongside velvety mashed potatoes and caramelized pearl onions for a truly indulgent dining experience.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

3 hrs + 30 min

SERVES

6 portions

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

You know those meals that taste like love in a bowl? This one’s it. Rich, slow-cooked beef in a bold red wine sauce paired with creamy mashed potatoes and sweet, soft pearl onions – it’s the ultimate cozy dinner for when you’re feeling fancy but also need that comforting omg-this-is-so-good moment. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or just a random Tuesday when you’re feeling yourself, this dish is about to be your new fave.

Serve this beauty hot, right out of the pot. Pour that glossy, rich sauce over the creamiest mashed potatoes for a plate that’s basically edible therapy. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to scoop up all the saucy goodness. Pair it with a bold glass of red wine because it’s a whole vibe. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing dinner guests.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or wine to keep it saucy and delish. Pro tip: it tastes even better the next day because flavors get all cozy overnight.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions
Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions
Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions
Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions
LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS
Print
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Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions

Boeuf Bourguignon with Mashed Potatoes & Pearl Onions


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 3 hrs (1 hr passive)
  • Yield: 6

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • dutch oven
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • large pot
  • small pan with a lid
  • large pan
  • potato masher

Ingredients

Units Scale
BOEUF BOURGUIGNON
  • 1.5 kilograms beef brisket or beef shoulder
  • 3 white onions
  • 3 carrots
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 750 milliliter red wine
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 400 milliliter beef stock
  • 150 grams pancetta
  • 250 grams mushrooms
  • 1 tsp clarified butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 25 grams dark chocolate
  • 50 milliliter espresso
  • salt & pepper to taste
MASHED POTATOES
  • 2 kilograms potatoes
  • 500 milliliter full-fat milk
  • 150 grams butter
  • 150 grams creme fraiche
  • salt, pepper & nutmeg to taste
PEARL ONIONS
  • 400 grams pearl onions
  • 1 tsp clarified butter
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 fresh thyme sprig
  • 10 grams fresh parsley
  • 150 milliliter white wine
  • salt & pepper
BEURRE MANIÉ
  • 2 tbsp butter, room temperature
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Peel the carrots and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Peel the onions and chop them into small pieces. Pat the beef dry, remove any silver skin if necessary, and cut it into roughly 4×4 cm pieces. Beef brisket or shoulder (also known as “falsches Filet” in Germany) works best. Cut the pancetta into strips. Peel the garlic cloves. They’ll be pressed into the pot later. Open the bottle of wine. Pick a Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon all work great. A bold, fruity red wine is ideal.
  2. Place the pancetta in a cold Dutch oven. Slowly heat it over medium heat and fry until crispy, allowing the fat to render out. Remove the pancetta and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the Dutch oven. If the bacon fat isn’t enough, add 1 tbsp of clarified butter and let it melt. Sear the beef in batches on both sides over high heat to create a nice crust. Remove the beef from the pot. Add the carrots, onions, and tomato paste to the Dutch oven. Press the garlic through a garlic press into the pot and stir everything well. Sauté for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle 1 tbsp of flour over the vegetables and mix well.
  3. Pour in about 1/4 of the red wine, stir, and let it reduce over medium heat without a lid until almost no liquid remains (about 5 minutes). The wine and flour should form a creamy texture with the veggies. Return the seared beef to the pot, pour in the remaining wine and the beef stock, and stir well. Place thyme sprigs and bay leaves on top, cover, and bring to a boil. Then reduce to low heat and simmer with the lid on for 2.5-3 hours.
  4. Meanwhile, peel the pearl onions carefully without cutting through them. Set them aside in a bowl. Next brush the mushrooms clean with a pastry brush or peel them directly, then quarter them. Set them aside as well. Next to prepare the mashed potatoes peel and quarter them. Fill a large pot with water, add the potatoes and 1 tsp salt and boil until soft. Drain the water and keep the potatoes covered. Heat a small pan over medium heat, melt 1 tsp of clarified butter, and sauté the pearl onions for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown. Deglaze with white wine, add thyme, parsley, and a bay leaf on top, cover, and simmer for about 25 minutes until the wine has mostly evaporated and the onions are soft. Remove the herbs before serving and keep the onions warm on the stove. Season with salt & pepper.
  5. To thicken the Boeuf Bourguignon sauce, prepare a beurre manié. Mix 2 tbsp of softened butter with 2 tbsp of flour into a creamy paste. Add it gradually to the stew about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time to thicken the sauce. Stir the beurre manié into the Dutch oven in portions and bring everything to a quick boil.
  6. After about 1.5 hours of simmering, sauté the quartered mushrooms in a large pan with 1 tsp of clarified butter until golden brown. While they’re cooking, prepare an espresso. Add the mushrooms, pancetta, dark chocolate, and espresso to the Dutch oven. Stir well and let it simmer for at least another 30 minutes.
  7. For the mashed potatoes, warm milk and butter in a small pot until the butter has melted. Add the mixture to the potatoes, grate in some nutmeg, and mash everything into a chunky texture. For a smoother mash, pass the potatoes through a sieve or food mill. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in crème fraîche. To serve, spoon the mashed potatoes onto plates, top with Boeuf Bourguignon, and add some pearl onions. Garnish with fresh chives.
  • Passive Time:
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