Chestnuts roasting over an open fire is a classic winter time image, thanks to Nat King Cole. But the origins of this holiday staple span long before the jazz singer crooned about the food. Here is a look at the history behind this tasty tradition—and three simple recipes.
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As LiveScience explained, chestnuts have been roasted for centuries, and not just as a way to celebrate the season. Thousands of years ago, chestnuts were a typical food source for those living near the Mediterranean Sea because inhabitants weren’t able to grow other grains. So, they feasted on these nuts thanks to their fat, fiber, mineral and vitamin content. Full of vitamin C, folate, potassium, copper, selenium and manganese, the versatile food is a good source of nutrients, the University of California, Davis, wrote in a blog post on their Integrative Medicine website.
According to the LiveScience article, the first appearance of roasted chestnuts are a mystery, though they were thought to signify chastity for Christians. Some believe they popped up as a street snack in Rome during the 16th century. Others think they were first enjoyed on one of two holidays: St. Martin’s Day in Portugal or St. Simon’s Day in Modena, Italy.
Although we call them nuts, the food is actually a seed, according to UC Davis. The thick shell is called the burr, and as the chestnut ripens, the fleshy inner part is revealed, which is the part we typically eat.
Roasting might be the most well known preparation, but there are many ways to enjoy the seed. Chestnuts can be added to soup, stuffings, and even cheesecake.
_ _ Chestnuts are a winter specialty in our house. This is my first time making them sweet and buttery, and boy did I NOT disappoint. #ButteryWin Holiday season in _NYC these days every street vendor has roasted chestnuts for sale… the wafting __ _ scent of heaven has me swooning and promising I would recreate a recipe of this sweet and nutty goodness . I don’t have an open fire… but I do have an amazing recipe for you guys that I’ve partnered up with #BreakstonesButter . Preheat oven to 425°. Place cast iron or cookie sheet into the oven. Place chestnuts, flat side down, Carve an "X" into the rounded side of each chestnut with a serrated knife. Cut through the shell only, being careful not to cut too deep into the nut itself. If you’re wondering why you have to cut an X onto the top of nut it’s because if you don’t it will explode. Yes. That’s happened ___♀️. Soak scored chestnuts in a bowl of hot water for 3 minutes (this helps them steam while roasting). Drain, pat dry, and transfer to a large bowl. Add melted butter and spices in a bowl and toss to coat. Try and get it inside the scored x. Line the cast iron with foil. And curl the edges up to create a “bowl” of sorts. Transfer them, "X" side up, to the foil lined heated skillet in the oven. Don’t overlap. Leave a large opening at the top Swipe for photo. Roast until the peel begins to curl up and chestnuts are cooked through, 25- 40 minutes, depending on size and age of nuts. And the craziness of your oven. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve the chestnuts while still warm. · 1 bag fresh chestnuts, rinsed and dried · 4 tablespoons unsalted Breakstones butter (1/2 stick) · 3 TBS Sugar · 1/4 – 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon · Pinch Fresh Nutmeg · ¼ Maldon Salt or Kosher Salt · Optional Allspice. Apple pie spice Cloves. #BreakstonesButter #sponsored #ChanukahIsBetterWithButter #TheBetterButter #ad #roastedchestnuts
Celebrate Christmas with this traditional snack by following one of these easy roasted chestnut recipes:
Martha Stewart’s Roasted Chestnuts
Beginner to the world of chestnut roasting? Check out this easy recipe from the queen of all things domestic. Stewart teaches you how to pick, slice and roast chestnuts in this step-by-step guide.
Oven-Roasted Chestnuts with Spiced Butter
This creamy, buttery and sweet recipe is best paired with some brandy or whiskey, according to Serious Eats. The key to perfect roasting is to slit each chestnut with an “X” as a ventilation process to let steam escape while cooking.
Buttery Roasted Chestnuts in Foil
Serious foodies will want to try this recipe from Bon Appétit, which is super simple. Cooked in the oven with butter and rosemary, nutmeg and pepper, these can be whipped up quickly and roast in only 45 minutes.