Chestnuts Roasted on an Open Fire
Embrace the cozy charm of winter with this timeless recipe for "Chestnuts Roasted on an Open Fire." A quintessential holiday favorite, this simple yet satisfying dish fills your home with the irresistible aroma of woodsmoke and toasted nuts. Fresh chestnuts, carefully scored and optionally soaked for extra tenderness, are roasted directly over glowing embers in a fire-safe pan, creating a caramelized outer shell and a buttery, nutty interior. The process is as much about the ritual as it is about the result—perfect for gathering around the hearth with loved ones. Serve these warm, tender chestnuts straight from the fire for the ultimate seasonal snack or a rustic, festive touch to your holiday celebrations.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams fresh chestnuts
- 500 milliliters water (optional for soaking)
Instructions
1. Begin by selecting fresh chestnuts. Look for ones with shiny, smooth shells that feel heavy for their size and have no cracks or signs of mold.
2. Rinse the chestnuts under cool water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully score an 'X' on the flat side of each chestnut. This will allow steam to escape during roasting and make peeling easier later.
4. (Optional) Soak the chestnuts in water for about 30 minutes to help keep them moist and tender while roasting. Drain and pat dry before proceeding.
5. Prepare your open fire or wood-burning fireplace. Once the flames have subsided and you have glowing embers, you are ready to roast.
6. Place a chestnut roasting pan, cast iron skillet, or any fire-safe perforated pan over the embers. Spread the chestnuts in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
7. Roast the chestnuts over the embers, shaking the pan every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning and ensure an even roast.
8. Continue roasting for 15-20 minutes, or until the shells are charred and pulling away from the scored 'X,' and the chestnuts feel soft inside when pressed gently.
9. Remove the chestnuts from the fire and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. Allow them to sit for about 5 minutes—this will make peeling easier.
10. Once cooled slightly, peel away the shells and inner skin from each chestnut. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
655 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.5 g | 7% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.0 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 135 mg | 6% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.0 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.0 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 90 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 3575 mg | 76% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
