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Boiled Chestnuts Recipe

Boiled Chestnuts

Boiled chestnuts are a simple, comforting snack or ingredient with a soft texture and naturally sweet flavor. Perfect on their own, added to stuffing, or used in desserts.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Snack
Cuisine: French
Calories: 170

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams chestnuts About 1.1 lbs. Cut a shallow X into each chestnut.
  • 2 liters water Enough to fully cover the chestnuts.
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 colander

Method
 

  1. Using a small knife, carefully cut a shallow X into the flat side of each chestnut. This prevents them from bursting and makes peeling easier.
  2. Place the scored chestnuts in a saucepan. Add enough water to fully cover them (about 2 liters for 500g chestnuts).
  3. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the saucepan.
  4. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Reduce the heat and let the chestnuts simmer for 30 minutes.
  6. After cooking, use a slotted spoon to remove the chestnuts and transfer them to a colander.
  7. While still warm, peel off the outer shells and the thin inner skin.
  8. Serve warm as a snack or use in other recipes.
  9. If all the shells don't come off easily, briefly return them to the hot water.
  10. Store leftover peeled chestnuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Peeling is easiest while chestnuts are still warm. If all the shells don't come off easily, briefly return them to the hot water.
Store leftover peeled chestnuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Feel free to flavor the boiling water with herbs or spices (e.g., bay leaves, cloves) for extra aroma.