How to Roast Chestnuts On An Open Fire

We've all heard the song. But how many of us have actually roasted chestnuts around the holidays? I tasted roasted chestnuts when I was a child and had forgotten what they tasted like. So, for this article I roasted chestnuts on an open fire (my stovetop!) for the first time. It was real easy and the chestnuts came out delicious! I think I have a new holiday tradition on my hands, the chestnuts were a hit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• heavy skillet
• grape seed oil or olive oil (grape seed oil is preferred)
• chestnuts
• a sharp sturdy knife
• favorite salt (Kosher salt worked great)

1. 
    

   First we have to choose the cooking method. Which "open fire" are you going to use to roast the chestnuts? Outdoor fire pit, indoor fireplace, oven or gas or electric range? I chose to sauté them on my gas stove top as our fire pit is completely covered in snow, we don't have a fireplace (wish we did!) and baking the chestnuts didn't seem as authentic.

2. 
    

   Whatever way you decide to roast the chestnuts it's important that you cut the shells so that steam can escape and the chestnuts don't explode. If you are roasting them on your stove top you'll actually want to cut the chestnuts in half. If you will be baking the nuts, roasting them in the fireplace or fire pit you will want to carefully cut an X in each shell.

3. If you use the fire pit/fireplace to roast the chestnuts you will need a large pan without non-stick coating, like a cast iron skillet. Place the nuts in a single layer on the skillet (don't forget to X them first!)I would roast them for about 5 min and check for doneness by peeling one. Be careful when peeling, they're hot.

4. If you are baking the chestnuts place on a baking sheet in a single layer(again, don't forget to X!) Bake at 325 for about 15 min and check for doneness.

5. 
    

   Now if you are sauteing them on your stove top (as I did..this is my photo of roasting chestnuts for the first time) you will want to cut the whole unpeeled chestnuts in half. You can use any type of heavy skillet, with or without non-stick coating will both work. Turn on the range and pour a couple of tablespoons of either grape seed oil or olive oil. I like cooking with grape seed oil for certain things as it has a light nutty barely there taste. You can get grape seed oil at your local health food store. For more info on cooking with grape seed oil check out my article how to cook with grape seed oil in the related articles section.

6. 
    

   Sauté the chestnuts for 5 minutes in the pan tossing and turning as needed. They kind of smell like french fries as they're approaching doneness. The chestnuts will be lightly browned when done. Sprinkle with your favorite salt for presentation.

7. 
    

   Peel the nuts carefully (they're HOT), sprinkle some more salt on the nut and enjoy! They have a wonderful creamy texture, they're delicious and don't have that typical nut taste. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing chestnuts at the store choose ones that are firm. Soft chestnuts may be rotten.
• I used Kosher salt for this recipe (most recipes I use Kosher salt in) Kosher salt makes a perfect salt rim for margaritas too!
• Always cut an X or cut the chestnut in half before roasting.
• Never leave a pan of hot oil or any hot pan unattended.

[urbanchristmas]

on 12/14/2009 Sounds yummy! I like the fact that you put in your article at least three times to cut the X on the chestnuts before roasting. I roasted them in my oven and forgot to cut the X once. That's all it takes... you would never forget again. They did start exploding. It scared me and family half to death. We should have gotten it on film for America's Funniest Videos!! It was that funny! Great article and well written.5*

[mommyhen42]

on 6/8/2009 I too heard the song and even sang it a couple of hundred times, but I admit, I never really tried roasting them... now I think this Christmas I will do just that.

[sonni57]

on 3/18/2009 I love chestnuts and open fires so this is right up my alley.

[wizardofodds]

on 2/24/2009 We used to do this a few a times a week during the winterwhen we were living back at home (in Istanbul). Reading this, it was great being reminded of those days. 5*

[AuntieAndrea]

on 2/23/2009 You can buy them at some grocery stores, they're usually only available during winter and are widely available during Christmas time. You might have to check a few stores but they're still out there!