What to do with too many chestnuts?

Best known for their cameo in the classic Christmas song, chestnuts truly are delicious when roasted over an open fire. But they can also be turned into flour, candied, deep-fried, or pureed .

What to do with a bag of roasted chestnuts?

As I said, chestnuts are pretty great as is, which means that they're super delicious just thrown into your favorite recipes. Try chopping them up and using them in a salad, quinoa dish, or pasta . If you want to go a step further chestnuts are great with roasted fall and winter vegetables.

What can chestnuts be used for?

Chestnuts compliment the flavor of meats, game, and poultry and add a wonderful sweet richness to soups, stews, and dishes with vegetables . Chestnuts are also eaten as a stuffing or cooked with pheasant, duck, goose, and chicken.

When should you not eat chestnuts?

Raw chestnuts are safe to eat for most people. However, they do contain tannic acid, which means they could cause stomach irritation, nausea, or liver damage if you have liver disease or experience a lot of kidney problems .

Why do people not eat chestnuts anymore?

The disease was ultimately traced back to a variety of Asian chestnut that had been imported to Long Island, but by then it was too late. The blight spread, and within 40 years, nearly every American chestnut was dead . Other varieties of chestnut are still eaten all over the world, just as they have been for centuries.

Why do you soak chestnuts before roasting?

I score the chestnut peels first and soak the chestnuts in water before roasting. The residual water left in the drained chestnuts creates steam in the hot pan, keeping the chestnuts from drying out and making them easier to peel .

Do roasted chestnuts go bad?

Fresh Chestnuts are best if consumed within three weeks of purchase. Cooked Chestnuts can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days . Cooked and Peeled Chestnuts store perfectly in the freezer for year-round goodness.

What is the best way to eat roasted chestnuts?

For small and medium chestnuts, roasting is a great way to prepare chestnuts. Roasted chestnuts can be eaten as is (try not to), added into dishes like stir fry, stew, salad, or pasta, or blitzed to make chestnut cream or soup .

Can I freeze raw chestnuts?

Chestnuts can be frozen with or without their shell, raw or cooked . Regardless of form, they can remain frozen for 2 to 3 months. If you intend to use your frozen chestnuts for roasting, then it's ideal to leave the shells intact.

Is eating too many chestnuts bad for you?

Not only are chestnuts healthy, but they are also delicious and easy to add to your diet. They have a mildly sweet flavor and soft yet firm texture. Although you can eat chestnuts raw, they are high in tannins, which may cause digestive issues or other complications in individuals sensitive to tannins .

How do you preserve fresh chestnuts?

Uncooked Chestnuts: Freeze whole chestnuts in their shells. Place them in a plastic ziplock bag, remove excess air, seal, and freeze . They can be stored for several months. Cooked Chestnuts: Cook the chestnuts first (see our cooking page for instructions) and then freeze them.

What to do with chestnuts after picking?

Sweeten fresh chestnuts by leaving them at room temperature for two days (starches will convert to sugar). For longer storage, put in freezer and use immediately after thawing (else they will become mushy). If saving the nuts for planting, place them in damp (NOT WET!)

14 Chestnut Recipes That Are Holiday Worthy (2024)

Trending Videos

14 Chestnut Recipes That Are Holiday Worthy (1)

We’ve all heard of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but a lot of other delicious recipes exist that also make use of the seasonal tree nut. Chestnuts come to mind especially around the holidays, but they have a delicate umami and nutty flavor that work great as part of any festive meal. You can use chestnuts in both sweet and savory preparations, so try a few of these recipes to learn a new ingredient to add to your repertoire.

How to Easily Peel Chestnuts

01 of 13
Oven-Roasted Chestnuts
If you live in or visit many major cities across Europe and the U.S., you will see roasted chestnuts appear at street stalls throughout the late autumn and winter. Recreate that mouthwatering scent and signature flavor at home right in your oven, for a simple and satisfying snack.
02 of 13
Chestnut Pasta in Butter and Sage Sauce
While traditionally associated with Italian peasants, flour made from chestnuts originally came about as an alternative for those who couldn’t afford wheat flour. Try it to make your own uniquely nutty pasta that goes perfectly with a velvety butter and sage sauce. It comes together easily enough for novice pasta-makers and just tastes like fall on a plate.
03 of 13
Vegan Chestnut Soup
This smooth roasted chestnut soup has all the subtle flavors of the tree nut, with added nutrition from carrots and veggie broth, all lightly spiced with cloves and bay leaves. Make it vegan by using non-dairy milk and vegan margarine or oil and serve with crusty bread for soaking it all up.
See Also
Chicken and leek pie with crispy potato topping recipe | Sainsbury`s Magazine Vegan Tortilla Soup Recipe - Elavegan 3 Cup Chicken Recipe 20 To-Die-For Thanksgiving Roll Recipes - Beautiful Life and Home
04 of 13
Chestnut Stuffing
Whether you make this tasty stuffing as a Thanksgiving side or a comfort food dish for another meal, you’ll love the addition of meaty chestnuts for a different texture and flavor. It comes out very similarly to your traditional stuffing, but the chestnuts make it extra hearty. Either fresh or jarred chestnuts work just as well, although the prepared variety require much less effort.
Continue to 5 of 13 below.
05 of 13
Marrons Glacé
In France, these decadent candied chestnuts sell out quickly, because the flavor is so popular. Create them at home for an indulgent treat that would work great as a party or even wedding flavor. They do take some time to make, but one taste makes it all worth it.
06 of 13
Karyoka Truffles
Try karyoka or Turkish truffles made from chocolate-covered chestnut puree sprinkled with chopped pistachios, for a different twist on holiday candy. These make beautiful gifts when wrapped in a pretty candy box, or lovely elegant desserts when placed in little paper wrappers. Use high-quality chocolate for the best results.
07 of 13
See Also
Instant Pot Chana Masala Recipe (vegan) | The First Mess
Tuscan Chestnut Cake
This unleavened chestnut dessert tastes like a cross between a slightly sweet cake and a flatbread, and usually appears on fall tables in Tuscany. Using ingredients like olive oil and rosemary gives it a savory note that makes it an excellent addition to your dessert table for a little earthy contrast.
08 of 13
Roast Goose and Chestnut Stuffing
Before turkey took over, goose often starred as the centerpiece at holiday meals. Stuffed with a savory chestnut filling, this rolled goose roast comes out tender and moist thanks to a water bath that keeps it from drying out. For an even fancier presentation, try adding foie gras or even black truffle to the filling. Ask your butcher to debone the goose for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Continue to 9 of 13 below.
09 of 13
Sweetened Chestnut Purée
Used in a variety of Italian, French, and Hungarian desserts, sweetened chestnut puree has a nutty, subtle flavor that levels up a range of desserts. Try it as part of a pound cake, to fill truffles, or even just spread on toast as a sweet snack.
10 of 13
Roasting Chestnuts on the Grill
Forget about an open fire—roast your chestnuts on the grill for a smoky, toasty flavor. The high, intense heat your grill can deliver will result in a deliciously sweet taste. Rinse the chestnuts before cooking to keep the shells from charring too much and make them easier to open at the end.
11 of 13
Mont Blanc Dessert
The classic French mont blanc (or “white mountain” ) features chestnut puree on top of pillowy meringue discs that are piled high with fluffy whipped cream. It tastes as wonderful as it looks and makes a fancy dessert for a special meal. Make your own chestnut puree or find it at European specialty stores or online.
12 of 13
Gluten-free Chestnut Flour
If you need to avoid gluten, try making your own flour. Chestnuts have a signature nutty taste and when milled, the resulting chestnut flour works great in a variety of recipes. Try it in flatbreads, polenta, or pasta for a rural Italian flavor.
Continue to 13 of 13 below.
13 of 13
Boiling Chestnuts
Most of us know about roasted chestnuts, but not everyone has tried them boiled. Doing so prepares the tree nut for use in recipes like purées, as a dessert ingredient, or to grind into flour. They don’t taste as great as roasted or grilled for eating plain though, so steer clear of this method for snacking.