Legume Flour Granules with Chestnuts and Speck
Category: First Courses
Serves: 4
This delightful dish brings together the earthy richness of legumes, the sweetness of chestnuts, and the savory depth of speck, creating a truly comforting and satisfying first course. The legume flour granules (a mixture of lentils, chickpeas, and peas) are cooked to perfection, absorbing the wonderful flavors of the roasted chestnuts, vegetables, and herbs. This dish is perfect for chilly days and will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Legume flour granules (red lentils, chickpeas, and peas) | 250g |
| Chestnuts | 300g |
| Speck | 140g |
| Red onions | 1 (quartered) |
| Rosemary | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Zucchini | 1 |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Water | 1 liter |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chestnuts:
Start by prepping the chestnuts. Use a sharp knife to make a small horizontal cut across the skin of each chestnut. This will allow them to cook evenly and be easier to peel once roasted. Spread the chestnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and set aside for roasting. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
Cut the zucchini and carrots in half, leaving their skins on. Thereβs no need to peel them. Place these vegetables in a pot along with the quartered red onion. Add 1 liter of water and bring it to a boil. Let the vegetables simmer for about 10 minutes, softening them in the process. The result will be a flavorful broth that you will use for cooking the legume flour granules. -
Cook the Legume Flour Granules:
While the vegetables are simmering, focus on the other ingredients. Thinly slice the red onion and cut the speck into thin strips. Heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. -
Add the Legume Granules:
Once the onions are ready, add the legume flour granules to the pan. Stir them around, allowing them to toast lightly in the olive oil. This process will enhance their nutty flavor and give them a slightly crispy texture on the outside. -
Combine with Broth:
Begin adding the simmered vegetable broth, a little at a time, as you would when making a risotto. Stir the granules constantly, allowing them to absorb the broth slowly. This will help them cook evenly and develop a creamy texture. Continue this process for about 20 minutes, adding more broth as needed, until the granules are tender but not mushy. -
Incorporate the Chestnuts and Rosemary:
Peel the roasted chestnuts, remove the inner skin, and roughly chop them. Add these chestnuts to the dish, along with a sprig or two of rosemary. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the chestnuts to heat through and infuse the dish with their sweet, nutty flavor. -
Final Touches:
Once the legume granules are soft and the consistency has become creamy, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top for added richness. Finish with a final sprinkle of black pepper. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your legume flour granules with chestnuts and speck are now ready to be served! This hearty dish makes for a comforting and nourishing first course thatβs perfect for a cozy evening. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- Chestnut Preparation: Roasting chestnuts can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s well worth the effort for the depth of flavor it adds. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked, peeled chestnuts available at most grocery stores.
- Speck Substitution: If you can’t find speck, you can substitute it with pancetta or bacon, though the flavor will slightly differ. Speck provides a unique smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the chestnuts.
- Broth Variations: Feel free to add herbs such as thyme or sage to the vegetable broth for an even more aromatic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~15g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50g |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Fiber | ~8g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
| Sugars | ~6g |
Enjoy this rustic, flavorful dish as a wholesome start to your meal, bringing together the flavors of the earth in each bite!
