Hello, my dear readers! I hope you are having a wonderful day and enjoying the fall season. Today I want to share with you one of my favorite recipes from my childhood: Portuguese chestnut soup.
This soup is very special to me because it reminds me of my grandmother, who taught me how to make it when I was a little girl. She was from Trás-os-Montes, a region in the north of Portugal that is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture and delicious cuisine.
Chestnuts are one of the most typical products of this region, and they are used in many dishes, from soups and stews to desserts and breads.
My grandmother used to make this soup every year in the fall, when the chestnuts were ripe and abundant. She would take me to the woods and we would collect them together, filling our baskets with these brown and shiny fruits. Then we would go back home and she would show me how to peel them and cook them in a big pot with potatoes, onion, milk and butter.
She would tell me stories about her life in Trás-os-Montes, her family and her traditions. She would also teach me some words and expressions in Mirandese, the second official language of Portugal that is spoken in some parts of this region.
I loved those moments with my grandmother, and I cherish them in my heart. She passed away a few years ago, but I still feel her presence whenever I make this soup. It’s like she is with me in the kitchen, guiding me and smiling at me. This soup is more than just a dish for me, it’s a way of honoring her memory and celebrating our heritage.
Now that I live in the US, I still make this soup every fall, using fresh or canned chestnuts that I find at the grocery store or online. It’s not exactly the same as picking them from the trees, but it’s close enough.
I also like to share this soup with my friends and family here, introducing them to a part of my culture and history. They always love it and ask me for the recipe.
That’s why I decided to write this blog post and share this recipe with you. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do, and maybe learn something new about Portugal and Trás-os-Montes.
This soup is easy to make, hearty and delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner on a cold day, served with some crusty bread and a green salad. It’s also great for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge or freezer.
Are you ready to try this Portuguese chestnut soup? Let’s get started!
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