With the arrival of autumn, the scent of chestnuts is one of the simplest and most irresistible pleasures of the season. If you think only roasted chestnuts have that authentic festive, fireplace-like flavor, you might think again: baking them in the oven is a real trick for obtaining chestnuts that are soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside , and intensely flavored, without the smoke or mess of a leaky pan.
Step-by-step preparation
- Select and score the chestnuts.
Choose fresh, whole chestnuts, discarding those that are too light or have damaged skins.
Using a sharp knife, cut an “X” on the rounded side: this prevents them from exploding in the oven and will help you peel them easily after cooking. - Soaking for softer texture:
A small trick that makes all the difference: soak the chestnuts in cold water for about an hour before cooking. This will help them absorb some of the moisture, which will turn into steam in the oven, making the flesh more tender and fragrant.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the result will be slightly drier. - Dry and prepare the baking tray.
After soaking, dry the chestnuts thoroughly with a clean cloth. Arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cut side up.
For an even softer result, you can sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt on the bottom of the tray and sprinkle a little water: the moisture will aid cooking without drying out the skins too much. - Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 25–30 minutes, turning the chestnuts halfway through.
Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chestnuts: small chestnuts cook faster, while larger ones require a few more minutes.
If the skin opens up and begins to peel away at the edges, the chestnuts are ready. - Resting and peeling:
Once out of the oven, wrap the chestnuts in a damp cloth for a few minutes. The residual steam will make it even easier to remove both the outer shell and the inner skin without burning your fingers.
Chestnuts are an energetic and nutritious food: 100 grams provide about 210 calories, but also provide fiber, minerals, and B vitamins. If consumed in moderation, they are a natural and filling snack, also suitable as an occasional substitute for bread or cereal.
Baked chestnuts are perfect enjoyed while still warm, perhaps accompanied by an autumnal herbal tea.
