Originally from Ardèche, cousina is a culinary speciality created recently by the chef Christiane Brioude, a restaurant owner in Vals-les-Bains, the town that gave us Vals water. This creamy, delicious recipe is a soup made with Ardèche chestnuts that are seasoned with various ingredients.
Cousina contains des AOC Ardèche chestnuts, which are shelled before being boiled and peeled. Then a chicken stock, cream, grated nutmeg and celery are added. If possible, the latter should be Lapi from the Ardèche valleys, which makes it even better. Once the mixture is ready, it is seasoned with salt and pepper, and the soup is served piping hot.
Cousina can be enjoyed all over Ardèche, with a few variations available.