Recipes

How to make boiled chestnuts: many recipes to enjoy them in an always original way

Boiled chestnuts without peel

They are delicious, easy to make and versatile as a base for a thousand other recipes: here's how to cook boiled chestnuts (and the best ways to serve and enjoy them).

Today we discover everything about boiled chestnuts: cooking, calories and above all some delicious recipes to consume them. This preparation is very simple and once cooked you can consume your chestnuts in many ways , both as a snack for a delicious snack, and to prepare really delicious desserts and appetizers.

How to make boiled chestnuts: the recipe

Cooking boiled chestnuts is quite long , but the procedure is very simple. First of all engrave them with the help of a knife, trying not to get to the pulp, but stopping at the peel.
Then heat the water in a large pot, so that once the chestnuts are boiled they remain entirely covered.
Add salt, add the bay leaf (or alternatively the thyme ) and when the water starts to boil, add them and let them cook for about 40 minutes.
Once ready, dry and peel them . Enjoy your meal!

If you prefer, you can also boil them without cutting them but this little trick will help you in the peel removal phase!

We also leave you all our recipes with chestnuts : try them all!

How to cook boiled chestnuts in a pressure cooker

If you want to do it faster, you can also cook them in the pressure cooker. The times will be more or less halved : 20 minutes from when you hear the classic whistle!

Make a horizontal cut on each chestnut.
Pour the chestnuts, a dash of coarse salt and the water (it must completely cover them ) into the pot and wait for the whistle before draining and enjoying them.

Preparation of boiled chestnuts in the microwave

Do you have even less time ? So, try to make them in the microwave – recommended, however, only if you have a few (no more than a dozen at a time).

Let them soak in water for about 15 minutes so that they are nice and soft.
Engrave them horizontally.
Cook for about 4 minutes at maximum power.

Recipes with boiled chestnuts: how to consume them?

Once ready, you can consume them as a delicious finger food , or use them for wonderful dishes. If you want to prepare a classy appetizer, you can crumble them and use them to make croutons with lard, chestnuts and honey.

For a first course, on the other hand, combine them with radicchio, gorgonzola (or other cheeses) or pumpkin. Just insert them when creaming the pasta or risotto, and that's it!

For desserts with boiled chestnuts, on the other hand, you just have to unleash your imagination : they are perfect with cream, chocolate, cocoa! Let's start with two very simple ideas: try to eat them even with just a splash of whipped cream and you will be transported directly to heaven; alternatively, arrange them on a sheet of parchment paper and cover them with a layer of tempered chocolate: they will become delicious chocolates.

For something more elaborate , instead, make a Mont Blanc , the cake of French origin based on chestnut puree, sponge cake and cream.

storage

We advise you to consume boiled chestnuts immediately after preparation or in the following two days, keeping them in the fridge.

Nutritional values and calories of boiled chestnuts

Chestnuts are an important source of protein and fiber , as well as minerals including zinc, copper and manganese. While giving those who eat them an immediate sense of satiety , they contain very little fat and calories. Just think that if they are boiled they contain only about 120 calories for each pound. A food that, if consumed with the right moderation , can easily be included in your diet!

In short, are you ready? So let's go straight to the stove and start preparing the recipe for boiled chestnuts (which we will show you in 3 different ways )!