Cook the mushrooms over a medium heat until they release their juices and cook down.
1000 g Chestnut Mushrooms
Add in the potatoes and herbs and mix to coat with the oil and release the herbs scent a little. (add chilli flakes here too if using)
150 g floury potatoes, 2 teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon Chilli flakes
Add the marsala wine and cook for a minute
180 ml marsala wine
Add the dried mushroom water, including the now re-hydrated mushrooms. Add in the cooked chestnuts.
180 g cooked chestnuts
Add in half the vegetable stock and all the vegan Worcestershire sauce/soy sauce.
500 ml vegetable stock, 1 tablespoon Vegan Worcestershire sauce
Simmer on a low heat with the lid half on for 45 mins, until the liquid is reduced and the potatoes almost disintegrated.
With a stick blender, puree the soup to a very fine smooth and creamy texture. (Or leave chunks as desired) Add more vegetable stock to thin out the soup and blend again.
500 ml vegetable stock
Taste and add salt, worcestershire sauce.
1 teaspoon black pepper, Sea Salt to taste
If you want a creamier soup, add in the plant based cream here. Carefully bring back to a simmer.
100 ml plant based cream
Serve hot with crusty bread and some fresh herbs and more cream or fried mushrooms sprinkled on top.
Notes
This soup is very rich, so serve as an elegant starter or amuse bouche or even as a soup 'shot' as a canape for a party.This chestnut and mushroom soup uses simple ingredients, but you can substitute some if you have extra dietary needs or want can't find certain ingredients.
Alcohol Free or No Wine: If you don't want to use alcohol or wine in this recipe, use 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar mixed with 2 teaspoons of sugar in with 2 tablespoon water. This helps provide the acidity and sweetness that wine would provide to balance the flavours of the soup.
Other mushroom varieties: you can make this soup with any combination of mushrooms. Shitake or porcini mushrooms will add extra depth of flavor, while white button mushrooms are mild and less intense.
Other fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or fresh dill would both be delicious to stir through or top the soup.