How to Roast Chestnuts in the Oven

Roasting chestnuts in oven appliances is a quick and easy treat you can make in under an hour. Chestnuts are a filling and nutritious snack the whole family can enjoy.

There have been various studies pointing to the nutritional value of chestnuts. They’re often recommended for people with high cholesterol, diabetes or gluten intolerance. As they’re packed with vitamin C, iron and zinc. As well as antioxidants and minerals. Plus, they are a great source of protein for vegetarians. 

While chestnuts aren’t native to the US, there are a number of farms in the US that now grow chestnuts. This means you can buy sustainably while enjoying all that nutritional goodness. Most farms will have chestnuts available in the fall if you are trying to eat mostly in-season foods. If you’re looking to buy in person, you can find chestnut farms in the following states (among others):

• Virginia 
• Washington
• Michigan 

You can also buy chestnuts from your local organic food store, or choose to grow your own chesnuts from seeds – though you might be waiting a while! Chestnut trees take 3 to 5 years to start producing nuts. therefore, we usually recommend finding a nearby farm or market to get your chestnuts. Once you’ve got the goods, it’s easy to start roasting.

How to Roast Chestnuts in the Oven

Apart from being a fantastic source of nourishment, chestnuts are a great accompaniment for many savory dishes. Their rich and nutty flavor works well for pestos, soups and mashed potatoes. In other words, they’re a lovely fall treat for the whole family.

Ingredients:

• A portion of chestnuts in the shell (as many as you need)

Instructions:

1. Begin by taking a small, sharp knife. Carve an X into the flat side of the shell. Be careful to only carve the shell, not the nut inside. 
2. (Optional) Place the chestnuts in a large bowl of water to soak for 30 minutes – this makes it easier to peel off the skin, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
3. Set your oven to 400°F. If you soaked the chestnuts, pat them dry with a cloth.
4. Spread your chestnuts on a roasting or oven pan and roast for 30 minutes. 
5. Serve directly and let people remove the shell themselves. Or, peel yourself and serve when ready.

Your roasted chestnuts will last 1-2 weeks in an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator and enjoy this healthy snack throughout the week.

Spicing Up Your Oven Roasted Chestnuts

If you want to give your chestnuts that extra autumn flare, why not add a little fall spice? You can season your chestnuts with a bit of salt, cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg. Embrace those long fall days with a hearty and festive taste of seasonal magic.

Read more:

• 9 Ideas for a Green Thanksgiving
• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe You Need to Try
• Balanced Meal Tips: 10 Rules for a Healthy Diet

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Tags: Guide Recipes Vegan Vegetarian