Chestnut Cooking Methods

Chestnuts are a classic Christmas treat! This year make a bunch of chestnuts for your friends and family. If you do not have access to a fire place, no need to worry we have plenty of methods for preparing this favorite Christmas recipe.

Oven Roasting Method

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit

With a sharp knife, make a slit through both the smooth outer shell and the textured inner skin. This will allow the steam pressure to escape as the nut heats up.

Place the nuts in a shallow pan.

Roast in the oven for approximately 15-25 minuets. You may wish to turn them over after 5-10 minutes for a more evenly roasted chestnut.

Take out of the oven and let cool slightly before peeling both shell and skin (they will peel more easily when they are still warm).

Oven Broiled Method

Turn on your oven's broiler.

Score the nuts as mentioned in the above method.

Place the scored nuts in a shallow pan.

Place the pan on the top rack of the oven.

Broil the nuts until the outer shell blackens slightly. Again, you may wish to turn them over after a few minutes for a more evenly roasted chestnut.

Broil for approximately 7-10 minutes more.

Take out of the oven and let cool slightly before peeling both the outer shell and the inner skin.

Boiling Method

Place the nuts in a pot of boiling water.

Boil for approximately 30 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, transfer several of the nuts to a work surface.

Shell both the outer shell and the inner skin while they are still warm.

Note: Some cultures add sugar or salt to the water while boiling them to enhance the flavor.

Fire Roasting Chestnuts

If you're a sucker for tradition, like us, you'll love this method.

Use a wire basket or a special perforated chestnut roaster pan.

Roast over an open fireplace or on a range in a large skillet over medium heat.

Roast for 15 minutes.

Note: Cooking times for these methods may vary.