How to cook chestnuts

A treasure inside a shell / Photo: Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Roasted Chestnuts

When you want that winter-in-the-air vibe, the best way to cook chestnuts is by roasting them. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat oven to 200°C

• Using a small sharp knife, cut a deep X on the flat side of each chestnut (this stops them exploding and makes peeling easier)

• Arrange on a baking tray, cut-side up

• Roast for 20–25 minutes, until the shells curl back and they smell nutty

• Wrap in a clean towel for 5 minutes, then peel while still warm

These are ideal for snacking and for tossing into roasted veg.

Roasted to perfection / Photo: Diana Light on Unsplash

Boiled Chestnuts

This makes chestnuts tender and easier to peel. Here's how to do it:

• Score each chestnut with an X

• Add to a pot of boiling water

• Simmer 15–20 minutes, remove from water

• Peel while hot — the inner skin slips off more easily when warm

After you've boiled them, just toss them in soups and salads or else leave them to cool and put them in a jar to snack on when you feel like something delish.