-
1
Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4 and line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
-
2
Wash the pumpkin seeds and remove any membrane that is still clinging to them.
-
3
Pat dry using kitchen paper, then spread the seeds out on the prepared baking tray.
-
4
Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with the olive oil, then toss gently to mix.
-
5
Roast in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the seeds are lightly toasted, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
-
6
Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
-
7
Melt the butter in a large saucepan and once it is foaming, add the pumpkin flesh, cinnamon stick and salt and pepper.
-
8
Cover the pan with a lid and cook over a low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from catching.
-
9
Remove the lid and increase the heat to medium, then add the wine, bring to the boil and cook for 2 minutes.
-
10
Add the stock and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the pumpkin begins to soften and break up.
-
11
Add half of the chestnuts, simmer for a further 10 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.
-
12
Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
-
13
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and puree until very smooth.
-
14
Return to the pan and if the soup is a bit thick for your liking, stir in a little more stock.
-
15
Reheat gently until hot, then taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
-
16
While the soup is reheating, roughly chop the remaining chestnuts.
-
17
Serve the hot soup in bowls, garnished with the chopped chestnuts and roasted pumpkin seeds.
-
18
Serve with plenty of fresh crusty bread.