Mike and I have a strange Christmas tradition. Every year during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, we watch The Godfather and roast chestnuts. I’m not sure how or why this became our tradition (as far as I know The Godfather has no ties to Christmas), and I have no idea what the relationship between the movie and roasted chestnuts is, but Mike always insists on chestnuts along with the movie. And so, because I love him (and roasted chestnuts), I oblige him.
If you’ve never roasted chestnuts at home before, they’re much easier than you might expect…no open fire required!
Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year’s Eve, and a joyous New Year!
How to Roast Chestnuts
Chestnuts (1 lb will serve about 4 people)
1. Preheat oven to 425F.
2. Put the chestnuts in a colander and rinse with cold running water, then pat dry.
3. Use a sharp paring knife to cut a large “X” on the flat side of each chestnut; to help stabilize the chestnut, place a kitchen towel on a cutting board, then put the chestnut on top of the towel before cutting. (Don’t skip this step – the “Xs” are pretty important since they let the steam escape and also make peeling the chestnuts much easier.)
Resting the Chestnuts on a Kitchen Towel Stabilizes Them When You Want to Cut Your “X”
4. Arrange the chestnuts “X” side up on a baking sheet. Bake until they’re tender and the shells curl open, about 20 to 30 minutes.
The Chestnuts Should Look Like This When They’re Done Roasting
5. Tightly wrap the chestnuts in a kitchen towel and cool just until you can handle them without burning your hands, about 10 minutes, then peel them (don’t wait too long because they’re much easier to peel when they’re still warm).
Peeling Chestnuts
6. Discard any chestnuts that are moldy or spoiled and enjoy the rest!
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
Rosa says
December 30, 2011 at 6:12 amDelicious! I love roasted chestnuts.
All the best for the new year!
Cheers,
Rosa
Blond Duck says
December 30, 2011 at 7:24 amHappy New Year!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
December 30, 2011 at 9:16 amI always cheat and buy the ones that are already peeled! This looks more fun though and I should give it a try. My husband loves roasted chestnuts and I had never had them before until we got married – they are delicious though.
Roxana GreenGirl {A little bit of everything} says
December 30, 2011 at 3:18 pmI love roasted chestnuts, somehow I haven’t made any this year. Yours look so beautiful.
Happy new Year Faith!
Becky says
December 30, 2011 at 8:19 pmYum! I saw chestnuts in the store and wondered how to roast them properly – now I know – thanks!!
Reeni says
December 30, 2011 at 8:39 pmYou make it look so easy! Mine never come out of the shell so intact. Happy New Year Faith!
Carolyn Jung says
December 30, 2011 at 8:44 pmJust out of the oven chestnuts are such a wintery treat. They can be a pain to peel. But they are so worth the effort. Happy New Year! ;)
Erica says
December 30, 2011 at 9:33 pmTo be honest with you…I’m not sure I’ve ever even had a chestnut! Sounds like a fun process though.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
December 30, 2011 at 9:33 pmI wish I was in Winter so that I could indulge in chestnuts-I love their sweetness and softness! Happy New Year my lovely blogging twin Faith! :D
Veronica Miller says
December 31, 2011 at 3:15 amGuess what? I’m adding this to my bucket list recipes! You’re on a roll! LOL! I’ve never had a chestnut in my life and I wish I would have seen this before I saw them for sale at a Medi restaurant b/c they will probably be gone by the time I return. I so want to try them now-your pictures really captivated me! Next year!
Michele | Cooking At Home says
December 31, 2011 at 6:55 amNothing says winter holidays better than chestnuts. Happy, healthy, New Year.
Angie's Recipes says
December 31, 2011 at 7:21 amLove roasted chestnuts…thanks for sharing the tips.
Lori Lynn says
December 31, 2011 at 10:01 amI found this very useful. I, like Amy above, always buy them prepared and ready to use. But this sounds easy, and of course, better. Merci!
Wishing you a very Happy New Year Faith!
LL
5 Star Foodie says
January 1, 2012 at 2:22 amGreat tutorial, I’ve actually never roasted chestnuts or cooked with them at all. Happy New Year!!!
Monet says
January 1, 2012 at 10:33 amWhat an informative and visually stunning tutorial! Happy New Year Sweet Friend! Thank you for knowing how to make me smile with your words, your food, and your presence in my life. Blessings in the year to come!
Jana@delectablymine says
January 1, 2012 at 1:40 pmI’ve always wanted to roast chestnuts, it just sounds so fun and festive. Now I know how easy it is so I’ll have to give it a try!
Evelyne@CheapEthnicEatz says
January 1, 2012 at 6:18 pmWell nothing says holidays like the Godfather! Very cute tradition and great snack. I found out how to make them last year but thanks for the refresher. I want to wish you a wonderful New Year for 2012 filled with health, loved ones and success in your endeavors.
Alyssa @ Everyday Maven says
January 1, 2012 at 10:33 pmHappy New Year Faith! I bet your house smells amazing the week between Christmas and New Years – beautiful!
Heba @ midEATS says
January 2, 2012 at 2:03 amLooks delicious – looove the smell and taste of roasted chestnuts in the winter. So cozy! Thanks for the detailed tips too. Happy new year to you & your family, Faith!
Sanjeeta kk says
January 2, 2012 at 2:34 amI love this space for all these small yet wonderful info on food and recipe..and am glad that I have come to know such a passionate foodie through my blogging journey. Hope to have more of foodie adventure with you the coming days.
Love and hugs.
Patty Price says
January 2, 2012 at 10:10 amWe saw chestnuts roasting on the streets on our recent trip to Rome and I just love them. It’s been years since I made them at home but as I recall they were not easy to peel so thanks for your tips;-)
nancy at good food matters says
January 2, 2012 at 3:01 pmI must confess that I have never roasted chestnuts–and your tutorial is perfect, Faith. Thanks for sharing your tradition–I think we all have fun ones, that we aren’t even sure how they got started.
Happy New Year to both of you–
Magic of Spice says
January 2, 2012 at 10:06 pmThe Godfather and roasting chestnuts…different for sure :) What a fun post, love roasted chestnuts!
Hannah says
January 2, 2012 at 10:20 pmIt’s absolutely not the holiday season without plenty of roasted chestnuts! We still haven’t quite mastered the technique for making them at home though… Usually, they come out less than tender in the center but fairly scorched on the outside. I’ll have to try your method next time.
Arina says
February 23, 2012 at 3:18 pmWhenever I made chestnuts, I would let them go cold and peel them as I ate them and they were so hard to peel. Next time I’ll peel them while they are warmer. Thank you