Roasted chestnuts: all the secrets for a tasty snack.

The roasted chestnuts are the quintessential snack for the cold seasons. Aromatic and warm, nutritious and tasty, the roasted chestnuts, a symbol of Christmas markets and local festivals, are very easy to make. The only thing you need is a pierced pot, along with, of course, some high-quality chestnuts to fully enjoy the aroma of this mountain fruit. The pan with holes, specially used for cooking roasted chestnuts at home, is a very useful tool because it allows the fire to "caress" the chestnuts, toasting them slightly without burning them. The result is a tasty snack, a healthy and delicate comfort food appreciated by adults and children, and perfect for enhancing many dishes.

The recipe for perfect roasted chestnuts

Don't worry if you've never made roasted chestnuts before, because it's very simple. For roasted chestnuts, prefer chestnuts that are approximately the same size, so you have an even cooking for all the fruits. Start by scoring the chestnuts with an approximately 3cm horizontal cut, to prevent them from exploding during cooking due to high pressure. Soak them in cold water for about 2 hours, then drain, dry, and place them in the pierced pan, without adding any water or fats. Let them simmer for about half an hour, turning them often with tongs to cook them evenly. During cooking, keep the chestnuts covered with a couple of well-moistened and wrung-out paper towels, re-moistening them occasionally to prevent them from burning. This step will help keep the chestnuts soft in the center, preserving the right amount of moisture.
As soon as they are toasted/browned, you can finally remove them from the heat and serve them plain or with a nice handful of salt, typical of Sicilian roasted chestnuts.

What to enjoy roasted chestnuts with? Our suggestions to savor them at their best

Roasted chestnuts are not only delicious, but they are also very versatile in the kitchen. Perfect on their own as a snack or to conclude a meal beautifully, they are also ideal for decorating desserts, first courses, and delicious fillings. Being a fruit of the woods, typically autumnal, pairing roasted chestnuts with other forest fruits can be a winning strategy. They are therefore perfect at the end of a meal, especially if the other dishes are based on pumpkin, mushrooms, game, but also on cheese and dried fruit, legumes, cereals, and aromatic herbs.

Roasted chestnuts are also great for making desserts. The chestnut cake is delicious, soft, and fragrant, but even spoon desserts with this autumn fruit are particularly delightful. In general, if you like to experiment, chestnuts pair wonderfully with dried fruits and raisins.

The real question, however, is just one: “What to drink with roasted chestnuts?” In reality, the answer is quite simple, as roasted chestnuts go great with red wine and hot beverages. If in the second case it is easier to decide, when it comes to wine, the matter is a bit more complicated, because to enhance the aroma of the chestnuts, it is necessary to choose the right red.
The chestnut is a starchy fruit, not too sweet, so it needs a wine rich in tannins.
If you plan to enjoy the roasted chestnuts plain, the ideal is a lively red, such as a Schiava from Trentino, but a Rosso dei Colli Euganei, a Corvina veronese, or a Valpolicella can also be great options. If the roasted chestnuts accompany dessert, then the ideal might be a Lambrusco, with its delicate effervescence yet very lively. If you love both hot beverages and red wine, then the right choice for you is the classic Vin Brulé, a warm, spiced, and incredibly aromatic drink. For the Brulé, red wines like Teroldego or wines made from Merlot, Sangiovese, or Cabernet are used. Regardless of the wine chosen, it should be cooked (never reaching boiling point) with a mix of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and fruit.

And for the little ones, roasted chestnuts can be served with a delicious spiced black tea based on orange and cinnamon or, to toast together with the adults, alongside a spiced apple wine, the Apfelglühwein, a warm and aromatic apple juice that will win the hearts of both adults and children. Alternatively, if none of these options satisfy you, then aim for classic hot chocolate, which always makes a great impression and pleases everyone.

In any case, roasted chestnuts alone will be able to create a truly engaging festive atmosphere. Take a look at our portal to choose your chestnuts and a good wine to accompany them. You'll see, you'll be spoiled for choice!