Chestnut & mushroom soup – a seasonal favourite of mine. So tasty and warms me right up – perfect for either lunch or in the evening. Serve with either a salad, bread or whatever you fancy!
Mushroom health benefits
Mushrooms have been a healthy food source since the prehistoric era. Ancient Egyptians believed mushrooms possessed the keys to immortality and so decrees were issued that only Pharaohs could have access to them! Ancient Romans also called them the food of the gods
For many years the phytochemicals in mushrooms have been the centre of anti-cancer research. A lot of this research has focused on the polysaccharide and beta-glucan components found within mushrooms. And whilst this research has focused on shiitake, maitake and reishi mushrooms, the more common button, chestnut and portobello mushrooms have also got in on the act.
Mushrooms are an excellent source of many minerals including selenium, copper, potassium and zinc. Portobello mushrooms in particular are a very good source of vitamins B6 and B12.
Mushrooms are one of the few foods which can help with Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is usually produced in our bodies by the action of sunlight in the skin but if the sun doesn’t shine much eating mushrooms can help boost Vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium which supports strong and healthy bone health. A deficiency in Vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Chestnut Health Benefits
Chestnuts are a great source of antioxidants including lutein and zeaxanthin which accumulate in the retinas of the eyes and protect them against damage from blue light which comes from electronic screens. Antioxidants protect cells from damage from free radicals which are unstable molecules. A high level of free radicals can cause what is known as oxidative stress which can increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Other antioxidants in chestnuts such as gallic acid and ellagic acid may help lower the risk of heart disease, reduce insulin resistance and suppress the growth and spread of tumours.
Chestnuts are also a good source of potassium which is important for a healthy heart and helps to regulate blood pressure. Their high fibre content supports your digestive which can tend to take a battering during the festive season. And, the good thing is that as fibre passes through the body largely undigested it does not add calories to the diet. instead, it helps you feel fuller for longer so can help with weight management plans.
Chestnut & Mushroom soup, easy to make is a real winner in the health stakes and gives your body a break for all the rich food that you can consume during the festive season. Enjoy!
Chestnut & Mushroom Soup
- Saucepan
- Frying pan
- 750 ml Vegetable stock
- 1 stalk Celery, chopped
- 1 small Onion, chopped
- 1 small Carrot, chopped
- 1 Bay leaf
- 400 g Mushrooms, sliced
- 180 g Chestnuts, pre-prepared, chopped
- Handful of pine nuts
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Add olive oil to the saucepan, add the celery, carrot, onion, bay leaf and stock. Bring to the boil then simmer for about 20 minutes
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In a separate frying pan, add some olive oil and add the mushrooms cooking them gently until they brown. Add the chopped chestnuts and cook for a few minutes.
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Reserve some of the mushroom/chestnut mix, and add the remainder to the stock in the saucepan. Simmer for another 5 minutes
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Remove the bay leaf, season and blend until smooth. Serve and garnish with some of the reserved mushrooms and a handful of pine nuts.