Roasted Chestnuts

Christmas would not be complete without roasted Chestnuts!  The smell of them roasting is almost as comforting as snuggling up beside an open fire.

Although we are familiar with the song, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”, most of us are not familiar with the health benefits or how to cook chestnuts.

When winter sets in, chestnuts are a nutritious and comforting food.  They are low in fat and contain important vitamins and minerals including Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Folate and minerals such as Thiamine. Manganese and Copper, along with high levels of antioxidants and fibre and sustainable energy.  They help lower cholesterol, protect teeth and bones and assist with the formation of red blood cells.

Serves 8

1 1/2lbs whole chestnuts in shells

 

Preheat oven to 425°F/200°C/Gas 6.

Cut an X in rounded side of each chestnut with a small sharp knife. Place in the middle rack of the oven.

Roast chestnuts, split side up, in a shallow baking dish until shells curl away from nutmeats, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Wrap hot chestnuts in a kitchen towel and squeeze gently to further loosen shells.

Let stand, wrapped, 5 minutes.

Serve immediately.

 

 Optional: Serve with clementines

 Note: Chestnuts can be cut a day in advance, and kept in a sealable bag at room temperature.