How do you crack open roasted chestnuts?

Wrap the roasted or steamed chestnuts in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm—it will make them easier to peel. As soon as they are cool enough to handle, grab a seat and get to peeling. Pull and snap off the shells, being sure to also take off the skin between the shell and the chestnut.

How do you eat chestnuts roasted on an open fire?

You’ve heard the holiday song; now eat the chestnuts. Roasting them over a, well, open fire (in this case, charcoal) enhances their sweet flavor and creamy texture. You need to slit their skin, or they might explode while cooking. Either score them (as recommended here) or draw a single slash across the rounded part.

How do you make easy chestnuts to peel?

Use a chestnut knife (or sharp paring knife) to make a large X through the shell and inner skin on the round side of the chestnuts. Place them, flat side down, on a baking sheet as you go. Roast. Roast them in the preheated 425°F oven until all of the skins have peeled back, away from the chestnut, about 25 minutes.

How do you make chestnuts easy to peel?

Place them into a bowl and cover with a towel for 15 minutes. Allowing them to steam a bit will make them easier to peel. Once the 15 minutes have passed, simply pull on the shell and slip the chestnut out. Some will be easier to peel than others.

How do you roast chestnuts like a street vendor?

Roasting in oven:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spread “scored” chestnuts evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, shaking the pan once or twice during the cooking.
  3. Remove from heat and dump into a bowl and cover with a towel for 15 minutes.
  4. Carefully peel the flesh from the shell and enjoy hot.

Are chestnuts good for you?

Chestnuts remain a good source of antioxidants, even after cooking. They’re rich in gallic acid and ellagic acid—two antioxidants that increase in concentration when cooked. Antioxidants and minerals like magnesium and potassium help reduce your risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease or stroke.

How do you pop chestnuts?

Score the flat side of the chestnut with a paring or serrated knife with an X-pattern. The cut can be shallow so as to just expose inside the nut casing. This will allow for the steam to escape. Only one side needs the scoring.

What is the best way to peel chestnuts?

To peel fresh chestnuts, rinse, then make a nick in the skin on the flat side of each and simmer in a pan of water for 15 minutes or roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Then peel, taking care to remove both the outer shell (quite easy) as well as the inner brown membrane (trickier).

How do you remove the membrane from chestnuts?

Score the flat side with an X and place the nuts, cut side down, in a glass baking dish. Pour 1/4 inch of water into the bottom, and roast the nuts for 15 to 20 minutes at 375 degrees. (A microwave will take a minute or less, but achieve lesser results.) To peel (while still hot), pinch the sides gently.