Chestnuts
Boiled Chestnuts
The chestnut tree is related to the oak and can live for up to 500 years. It is the least oily of all the nuts, and the easiest of digestion. Why do the street vendors roasted chestnuts peel so easily? The secret is to cut the X on the chestnuts, then BOIL them (in unsalted water) for about 20 min. Drain and let them cool. If you like you can broil them for a few min to give them the “roasted look” like the vendors do. Using this method you will find that ALL the chestnuts are edible – except if molded internally. Another bonus, the skin peels easily.
Shelling Chestnuts
Cut a half-inch gash on flat sides and put in an omelet pan, allowing one-half teaspoon coconut oil or olive oil to each cup chestnuts. Shake over range until oil is melted. Put in hot oven and let stand five minutes. Remove from oven, and with a small knife take off shells. By this method shelling and blanching is accomplished at the same time, as the skins adhere to shells.
Roasted Chestnuts
Preheat oven to 425 F. Find the flat side of each chestnut and cut a large X with a sharp paring knife all the way through the skin. Place chestnuts on a shallow baking pan and place in the oven to roast for about 20 – 30 minutes, depending on size of nuts. Shake pan several times to rotate chestnuts so they will cook evenly. Peel roasted chestnuts as soon as they are cool enough to handle. Once they cool completely, they are difficult to peel. However, they may be reheated briefly to aid in peeling.
Grilled Chestnuts
Place an X on the flat side. Chestnuts may be roasted on the outdoor grill. Watch carefully and turn them often.
Covered Wok Method of Roasting Chestnuts
Another favorite method for small amounts is stovetop, particularly on a gas stove. Place on top of a flame-tamer and cover with a deep lid. Roast over low heat until done, about 10 minutes, turning often to cook evenly. I tried this with a covered wok with a big dome lid. It required 20 minutes or more to become soft, but the shell was not easy to remove. Next time I will try placing an X on the flatside. Then covering the chestnuts with water and boil them for twenty minutes.
