Le caldarroste

Italian for Roasted Chestnuts. 

chestnuts

When in Rome during late fall there are a few must to-dos. Sure, it helps to have family as I do but, I have a list. Must haves; artichokes, lamb, and some great carbonara. Heads-up, there's the perfect walk along treat this time of year. I can smell roasted chestnuts blocks away. I turn the corner coming out of the Vatican and see chestnut vendors with their portable roasters everywhere, at the ready. I scope out the chestnut scene and feel-out who has the perfect roast going on. I use my food radar, (which by the way I am never really wrong) and approach the tidiest chestnut vendor on the corner to place my order. A few Euros later with parchment wrapped warm chestnuts in hand, we stroll through the streets of Rome with the perfect snack. 

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Roasting Chestnuts

chefgeorgehirsch.com | George Hirsch Lifestyle 

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Clean chestnuts and dry. Use a sharp paring knife to cut a small X into flat pointed tip end of each chestnut, or prick chestnuts with a sharp church key (can opener) fork to allow steam to escape, preventing them from exploding.

 Place chestnuts in a shallow roasting pan. Roast in oven for 15-25 minutes, shaking occasionally or until chestnuts are tender and shells peel easily. Chestnuts are enjoyed at their best when warm.

Tip: Roasting time is variable depending on freshness. Choose firm heavy, not hollow when buying.

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Le caldarroste

That's Italian for chestnut. Yes, it is officially chestnut season. I look forward to this part of the Fall season every year. You will begin to see some local and imported chestnuts available at your local market. I've been informed that the abnormally cool Spring and Summer in the Pacific Northwest had delayed domestic harvest a few weeks. So, walk don't run.

Did you know there are many recipes that can call for chestnut flour as a substitution for wheat flour? Chestnut flour is also gluten free. I'll have to post Chestnut Flour Pancakes recipe + a Chestnut Cheesecake recipe. Meanwhile, roast some chesnuts.

Rome, roasted Chestnut vendor

Roasted Chestnuts Recipe - Chef George Hirsch

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Clean chestnuts and dry. Use a sharp paring knife to cut a small X into flat pointed tip end of each chestnut, or prick chestnuts with a sharp church key (can opener) fork to allow steam to escape, preventing them from exploding.

 Place chestnuts in a shallow roasting pan. Roast in oven for 15-25 minutes, shaking occasionally or until chestnuts are tender and shells peel easily. Chestnuts are enjoyed at their best when warm.

Tip: Roasting time is variable depending on freshness. Choose firm heavy, not hollow when buying.