Hearty Chestnut and Lentil Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Comfort wraps around this hearty chestnut and lentil soup like a warm embrace on a crisp autumn evening.

Nutty chestnuts mingle with earthy lentils, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Small villages in northern Italy have perfected this rustic recipe over generations.

Seasonal ingredients bring depth and soul to every spoonful of this nourishing meal.

Each ingredient tells a story of tradition and simplicity.

Hearty and satisfying, this soup promises to become your new cold-weather companion.

You’ll want to savor every rich, velvety bite.

Why Nigella Chestnut And Lentil Soup Is So Cozy

• Craft Hearty Comfort: This soup delivers a warming, satisfying meal packed with nutritious ingredients that hug your soul and keep you feeling full and nourished.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Lentils and chestnuts combine to create a protein-rich dish loaded with essential minerals, fiber, and vitamins that support overall health and wellness.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Prepare this delicious soup using a single pot, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Embrace Seasonal Goodness: Chestnuts bring a unique autumnal flavor that transforms this soup into a celebration of seasonal ingredients, perfect for cozy gatherings with family and friends.

Ingredients In Nigella Chestnut And Lentil Soup

• Lentils: A protein-packed legume that provides a hearty base for the soup.
• Chestnuts: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the soup.
• Stock: Creates a flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.

• Onion, Leek, Carrot, Celery: Provide a classic aromatic base with depth of flavor and nutritional value.

• Cream: Adds a smooth, luxurious finish to the soup with a touch of richness.
• Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking to the pot.
• Water: Adjusts the consistency of the soup to achieve the desired thickness.

How To Cook Nigella Chestnut And Lentil Soup

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Vegetables

Finely dice the onion, leek, carrot, and celery into uniform small pieces. This will ensure even cooking and a harmonious blend of flavors throughout the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and release their fragrant aroma. This process helps develop a rich, deep flavor foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Introduce Hearty Lentils

Sprinkle the lentils into the pot with the softened vegetables. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. The lentils will absorb the liquid and become tender during cooking.

Step 4: Simmer Primary Soup Base

Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently for 40 minutes. The lentils will gradually soften and break down, creating a thick and creamy texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add Nutty Chestnuts

Gently fold in the chestnuts and continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes. The chestnuts will infuse the soup with a subtle, sweet nuttiness and provide extra depth to the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Create Silky Smooth Texture

Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a standard blender. Puree until completely smooth and creamy. If the soup appears too thick, gradually add water or additional stock to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Finish with a delicate swirl of heavy cream or crème fraîche on top. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips To Make Nigella Chestnut And Lentil Soup Better

• Prep Veggies Precisely: Finely chop vegetables to ensure even cooking and smooth texture in the soup.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Add extra water or stock gradually to achieve desired soup thickness without diluting flavor.
• Boost Protein Content: Increase nutritional value by adding cooked quinoa or extra lentils for a more filling meal.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Roast chestnuts beforehand to intensify their nutty taste and add complexity to the soup.
• Make It Vegan-Friendly: Swap dairy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a plant-based alternative that maintains rich texture.

Flavor Swaps For Nigella Chestnut And Lentil Soup

• Protein Powerhouse: Replace lentils with quinoa for a complete protein boost and gluten-free alternative.
• Vegetable Medley: Swap chestnuts with roasted butternut squash for a sweeter, earthier flavor profile.
• Vegan Comfort: Substitute dairy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Kick: Add smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to introduce a warming, spicy dimension to the soup.

Best Pairings For Nigella Chestnut And Lentil Soup

• Pair with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Break off crusty slices of hearty sourdough to dunk into the creamy, earthy soup, soaking up all the rich flavors and adding a delightful textural contrast.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a dry Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness, its bright acidity balancing the deep, nutty chestnut notes perfectly.
• Match with Herbed Goat Cheese: Crumble tangy, fresh goat cheese sprinkled with chopped thyme or rosemary on top, creating a creamy, herbal layer that enhances the soup's complex earthiness.

Storage Steps For Nigella Chestnut And Lentil Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into a pot and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or stock if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.

Nigella Chestnut And Lentil Soup Q&A

• Are chestnuts hard to prepare for this soup?

Not at all! You can buy pre-peeled and roasted chestnuts from grocery stores, which makes preparation super easy and quick.

• Can I use different types of lentils in this recipe?

Yes, green or brown lentils work best because they hold their shape well and provide a hearty texture to the soup.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely! Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, while chestnuts offer healthy carbohydrates and essential minerals like potassium and vitamin C.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

Consider adding cooked diced chicken or tofu during the final simmering stage to boost the protein content of the soup.

Chestnut And Lentil Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chestnut and lentil soup brings warmth from French countryside kitchens, blending nutty chestnuts with earthy lentils. Rich, comforting flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of this nourishing winter classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 225 grams red lentils
• 225 grams cooked chestnuts
• 1.5 liters (6 cups) vegetable stock

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion
• 1/2 leek
• 1 carrot
• 1 stick celery

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Double cream, to serve

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Instructions

1. Prepare aromatic vegetables by meticulously dicing onion, leek, carrot, and celery into uniform small pieces.
2. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then gently sauté chopped vegetables until they become translucent and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Introduce dried lentils into the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat with oil and release their earthy fragrance.
4. Pour vegetable stock into the pot, ensuring ingredients are fully submerged, and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
5. Cover the pot and allow the soup to cook at low heat for 35-45 minutes, periodically checking lentils for desired softness.
6. Fold roasted chestnuts into the simmering soup, continuing to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Transfer the soup to a blender and purée until completely smooth and velvety, adjusting consistency with extra stock if needed.
8. Taste and season with salt and pepper, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
9. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with a delicate swirl of cream for a luxurious finish.

Notes

• Enhance the soup’s richness by roasting vegetables before adding to the pot, which deepens the flavor profile and caramelizes natural sugars.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure stock is certified gluten-free and skip any dairy cream, replacing with coconut cream or dairy-free alternative.
• Optimize texture by using fresh chestnuts if possible, as they provide a more nuanced and authentic taste compared to pre-packaged versions.
• Boost protein content by adding a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds or almonds as a garnish, which introduces extra crunch and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg