There is nothing better than free food! And this soup practically was. Even though winter is approaching nature is still providing some fabulous freebies. On a recent walk I found myself walking on a carpet of chestnut cases – many of which still filled with fat, shiny chestnuts. After filling my pockets in less than 15mins I was desperate to get home and roast them. And the ones which weren’t eaten as they were peeled made it into this Chestnut Soup – which is basically Autumn in a bowl!

I also added the flesh from the Halloween pumpkins but you could instead add squash or even carrots. This helps add some bulk to the soup and another layer of flavour.  This serves four easily and thanks to the protein in the chestnuts is surprisingly filling too. I have garnished mine with some of the leftover pumpkin seeds roasted with maple syrup but it’s also delicious with some finely chopped chestnut or even a drizzle of olive oil.