Chestnut and Fennel Soup

1 . Stage

Cook the onion, celery, and fennel: Melt butter in a large, thick-bottomed pot (6 to 8 qt) on medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion, celery, and fennel. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until the onions are translucent and the fennel and celery softened, about 10 minutes.

2 . Stage

Add the chestnuts, apples, thyme, and liquids: Stir in the chopped roasted chestnuts, chopped apples, and thyme. Add the chicken stock and water. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes.

3 . Stage

Purée the soup: Working in batches, purée in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. Remember to fill the blender bowl no more than halfway, and keep your hand pressing down on the top of the blender lid, or the pressure from blending the hot liquid may cause the soup to splatter everywhere.

4 . Stage

Adjust the seasoning, add Pernod and/or sour cream: If too thick, add more water to thin to the consistency you desire. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the Pernod or Pastis if using (or other anise flavored liqueur). Either stir in sour cream, or dilute the sour cream and drizzle over the bowls at service. Serve hot, garnished with fennel fronds. Links: Chestnut and Mushroom soup from A Communal Table