Chestnuts, it's the season!

& a marvellous chestnut soup

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Do you also associate winter with chestnuts?

There’s something magical about chestnuts that warms not just the body but the soul. Their rich, nutty flavour and creamy texture have always been a comfort, a small indulgence that feels like a hug from the inside. But it’s not just about eating them—it’s the experience they bring.

Walking through the streets in the colder months, the unmistakable aroma of roasted chestnuts drifts through the air, drawing you closer to the glowing braziers of the street vendors. The rhythmic crackle of chestnuts roasting and the sight of steam rising from paper bags—they evoke a nostalgia that’s hard to describe. It’s a simple pleasure, holding a warm paper bag in your hands, the heat seeping through, you can’t help but feel a little more alive in the crisp air.

Mind you, chestnuts aren’t just for snacking; they are more than just a seasonal treat; they carry memories, traditions, and a sense of connection. Whether they’re roasted on a street corner or gotten into your home-cooking, chestnuts have a way of turning ordinary moments or dishes into something special.

They find their way into festive dishes, from creamy soups that start holiday meals to rich chestnut stuffing that pairs perfectly with roasted meats. Sweetened and pureed, they transform into velvety desserts or delicate fillings for pastries. Cooking with chestnuts during the holidays feels like an act of care, infusing dishes with their earthy warmth and a sense of tradition.

In Turkish cuisine also chestnuts hold a cherished place, adding their unique, earthy richness to both savoury and sweet dishes. Their versatility shines in classic Turkish recipes. In savoury dishes, chestnuts are often paired with rice, enhancing the flavour of iç pilav, a fragrant stuffing used for roasted meats like turkey or lamb. Their soft, starchy texture complements the spices, pine nuts, and currants that make this dish so beloved.

Chestnuts also lend depth to rich stews and soups, like the hearty chestnut soup that warms even the coldest days. In desserts, chestnuts transform into elegant sweets such as kestane şekeri (candied chestnuts), a specialty of Bursa, where they are glazed in sugar syrup and served as a delicate treat.

In Turkish culture, chestnuts symbolize the cozy indulgence of winter. Whether they’re sold by street vendors on bustling corners or cooked into celebratory dishes for family gatherings, they evoke a sense of home, tradition, and the timeless joy of sharing a meal.

Yet today I am sharing a chestnut soup recipe here, definitely not Turkish nor traditional at all. It is a rather recent recipe with lots of fresh ginger, a dash of apple cider vinegar and some mandarin juice.