Take a break to enjoy an old-fashioned pastime: roasting chestnuts. Whether on a campfire, an outdoor fire pit, or your family room fireplace, roasting chestnuts on an open fire is the way these delicious nuts were enjoyed in older times. If open-fire roasting is too primitive for your tastes, you can still enjoy the crunchy, savory taste of chestnuts by using your oven, stovetop or microwave.
Open-Fire Roasting Chestnuts
If you're roasting chestnuts over a fire, you'll need a fire stand or something to keep the chestnuts from the direct fire. Never place chestnuts directly on a flame.
To prepare the chestnuts, carefully carve an "X" into each chestnut shell with a sharp knife to keep them from bursting as they heat up. To make the cuts safely, place the nuts on top of a dishtowel or other soft surface to absorb the pressure of the knife. Place the scored chestnuts in a corn popper, grill basket, a chestnut roasting pan or a skillet that has 25 to 30 holes drilled in the bottom. An easier alternative is to wrap the chestnuts up in a large sheet of foil and poke several small holes in the top.
Place the foil wrapper or pan on the fire stand, about five inches from the flame or embers. Roast until chestnuts are tender and golden brown with their shells beginning to open, about 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the pan or packet occasionally.
Let the chestnuts cool just slightly, until you're able to pick them up, but still warm. Peel the shell away and serve.
Grill Roasting
Chestnuts can be roasted on a grill too. Using a pan or foil packet and preparing the chestnuts as described above, place the chestnuts on a preheated 400 degree F grill and close the lid. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the pan or packet occasionally.
Oven-Roasting Chestnuts
Cut an X into the chestnut shells, as described above. Place the chestnuts, X-side up, in a shallow baking pan, or cookie sheet. Place in a 400-degree oven and roast, shaking the pan occasionally, until chestnuts are tender and golden brown, and the shells are beginning to open, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Other Methods for Cooking Chestnuts
If you want the taste of chestnuts for your stuffing or other side dish and don't want to be bothered with the roasting process, chestnuts can be boiled, microwaved or cooked on the stovetop.
To boil chestnuts, place raw, scored chestnuts in a pan of water and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. When peeling, you may find that the kernels fall apart. Boiling chestnuts is best for recipes that call for chopped chestnut kernels.
To cook chestnuts in a microwave, put raw, scored chestnuts on a dish, and cook for about 30 seconds on high.
How to Enjoy Chestnuts
After peeling the chestnuts, sprinkle them with a little bit of salt and have a few with a glass of cider or a cup of hot chocolate.
Chestnuts are also delicious chopped and added to stuffing or green beans, vegetable casseroles and rice dishes.
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 | Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose?.. Ring a bell? Chestnuts not only have songs about them but they are a great source of dietary vitamins. |
Even with minimal ingredients and a very short cooking time, you can make a soup that is hearty and full of flavor. The chestnuts give the soup a depth and richness that eliminates the need to add cream, like many soups call for, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing any flavor. |
Learn how to roast chestnuts with this collection of tips on roasting chestnuts and other nuts. |&&| |
