Do you ever wonder how to make roasted chestnuts at home? It's chestnut season and the ones bought on the street are always tastier than the ones we make at home. Not anymore!
Autumn is the time when nature conjures up its magical palette of colors, the air temperature becomes more pleasant, and the smell of fresh chestnuts fill the streets. It's time to do home-roasted chestnuts.
Preparation of chestnuts is art, which took hold already in ancient times. The Greeks and Romans worshiped it as the food of the gods, and in the Middle Ages it became part of autumn celebrations. Nowadays, although it can be bought on every corner, the real magic remains in the preparation of chestnuts at home. The smell of freshly roasted chestnuts takes us back to childhood, to the times when we stood by the stalls in the market and impatiently waited to get our bag of these wonderful nuts.
Preparing chestnuts at home is not only a culinary experience, but also a method to celebrate the warmth of family and friendship. With the smell of roasted chestnuts, stories are told and we enjoy the flavors of autumn.
The smell of roasted chestnuts, mmm. Photo: Meruyert Gonullu / PexelsThere are several ways to achieve perfectly roasted and juicy chestnuts, and each method brings its own unique flavor. In order for a chestnut to be well-roasted and perfectly flavored, it must be a chestnut larger and have a shiny shell without holes.
How to roast chestnuts at home
On the stove
Approach the preparation of chestnuts in the classic way. Cut the top of the chestnuts, then place them in a perforated pan or shallow dish. Bake them on the stove at a low temperature, stirring them from time to time. This way, you will achieve evenly roasted chestnuts that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
In the oven
When baking chestnuts in the oven, preparation is key. Cut the top of the chestnuts, then soak them in water for about 10 minutes. This will allow the chestnuts to roast evenly and retain their juiciness. Then place them in a baking tray and bake them in an oven heated to 250°C. Check regularly to see if they are cooked - when the skin cracks, they are ready to eat.
Cooking in a pot
When you want to make chestnuts that just melt in your mouth, cooking them in a pot is a great choice. Cut them across the top, then place them in a pot and cover with salted water. Cook them on low to medium heat so they cook gently and retain their texture.
Which one do you prefer? Baked or boiled? Photo: Gül Işık / PexelsCooking time varies depending on the size of the chestnuts, so check them regularly to make sure they don't overcook.
In the microwave
A microwave oven is an excellent choice if you want to prepare chestnuts quickly. Prepare them by cutting them and placing them in a bowl of water. Cover with a plate to retain moisture and place in the microwave. Keep an eye on the cooking time as they can overcook quickly. When they are soft, they are ready to serve.
On the grill
Grilling can add a wonderful smoky flavor to your chestnuts. Prepare them by cutting them and placing them on aluminum foil. The holes in the foil will allow the smoke to penetrate the chestnuts. Place them on the grill and cook, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. When they get a golden brown color, they are ready to eat.
In the airfryer
Air fryers have been very popular in recent years. And you won't believe it, preparing chestnuts in it is the easiest. Read the preparation process at this link.
