What would a crisp winter day be without the wonderful aroma of
roasted chestnuts? If you're enchanted by the smell of chestnuts
roasting, here's how to discover it for yourself at home.
Steps
1. Pre-heat the
oven to 400ºF (205ºC) or fire up the grill. If you're going to use
a campfire or a fireplace, get the fire established.
2. Carefully cut an X
into the flat side of each nut with a sharp, pointy knife, cutting
through the shell. This will allow steam to escape, otherwise the
chestnuts can explode! Alternatively, you can stab them with a
fork, making sure it goes through the shell.
3. Spread the nuts on a
rimmed baking sheet for the oven or directly on the grill, cut side
up. Sprinkle lightly with water. If roasting over an open flame,
including a gas stove, put them in a pan with a long handle and
cover.
- Some people prefer to lay the chestnuts slit side down so that
the shell is cooked, dried and separated from the nut for optimal
crispiness.[1]
4. Roast for 15 to 20
minutes or until they're tender and the shell comes off easily.
Move them around frequently so they don't burn.
5. Wrap the hot
chestnuts in a towel and squeeze them to crush the skins. Leave
them wrapped in the towel for five minutes afterwards.
6. Peel while nuts
are warm. Remove the inner skin along with the shell. Reheat
briefly if the nuts become hard to peel.
Tips
- Your fingers might turn black while shelling, so be sure to
wash them as soon as you're done.
- Nonstick pans usually don't fare well over an open flame.
- Choose chestnuts with a nice, brown shine and a firm feel.
Avoid any chestnuts with blemishes, mottling or pinholes.[2]
- Soak the chestnuts in cold water after you've pierced the shell
for about 30 minutes to make them easier to peel.
Warnings
- Watch carefully. The nuts can turn from crispy to burned within
a minute.
- Use caution when making score marks into nuts with the sharp
knife.
Related wikiHows
- How to Make Chestnut Stuffing
- How to Prepare Chestnuts
- How to Store Chestnuts
- How to Eat a Raw Chestnut
- How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds
Sources and Citations
- ↑
http://www.firstscience.com/home/perspectives/editorials/how-to-cook-perfect-roast-chestnuts_1871.html
- ↑ http://italianfood.about.com/library/rec/blr0282.htm
