From the end of September, chestnuts can be found in the forest or on market stalls.
The fruits of the chestnut tree have been known since Antiquity for their many benefits: they are rich in fiber (6 g/100 g), vitamin C, and antioxidants. Chestnuts are loved for their sweet flavor and rustic aromas: they can be enjoyed roasted in a pan, on a brazier, or even better, in a wood-fired oven. Discover our recipe for roasted chestnuts on a wood fire and treat your guests to an authentic autumn meal.
Equipment and ingredients needed for 4 people
To make this recipe, you will need:
- 500 g of chestnuts, either foraged from the forest or bought at the market. Choose fruits from organic farming. Holes in the shell may indicate the presence of worms.
- Water to soften the shell of the chestnuts and make them easier to cook.
Equipment and utensils:
- Chestnut pan suitable for wood fire cooking;
- Ephrem barbecue grill;
- Wood fired ovens accessories;
- Ephrem wood-fired oven for individuals: Ephrem wood-fired oven for individuals: the best choice for building your traditional wood-fired oven
- Tea towel ;
- Kitchen utensils (knife, wooden spoon, salad bowl).
Preparation and cooking of chestnuts on a wood fire
Our recipe, step by step.
Step 1: Light the wood-fired oven in advance: chestnuts are cooked over embers, once all the wood has burned down. Add enough logs to the hearth to produce a good amount of embers.
Step 2: Make a cross-shaped incision on the rounded side of the chestnuts. This preparation helps cook the core of the chestnuts and prevents them from bursting.
Step 3: Once all the chestnuts have been scored, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water. This softens the hard shell of the chestnuts to ease cooking. Cover with a tea towel for 15 to 20 minutes, then drain the chestnuts.
Step 4: When the oven is ready, spread the embers evenly over the floor. Set up the barbecue grill.
Step 5: Place the empty pan on the grill, first near the entrance of the oven, then over the embers. Once it is hot, you can pour in the chestnuts, spreading them out in a single layer.
Step 6: Let the chestnuts roast for 15 to 20 minutes. Remember to stir them from time to time to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The chestnuts are done when their skins split open. You can check for doneness by using the tip of your knife: it should slide easily into the flesh of the chestnuts.
Step 7: The chestnuts are cooked: let them cool slightly, remove the skin, and enjoy.
Why choose a wood fire to roast chestnuts?
Wood-fire cooking gives chestnuts an unmatched flavor. They absorb the aromas of the wood, which bring out delicious sweet hazelnut notes. Our wood-fired oven, the Authentique Pizzaiolo, is ideal for making this recipe. This equipment allows you to roast chestnuts outdoors while preserving their soft interior, without drying them out. The wood-fired oven also serves as a protective barrier: it shields you from chestnut bursts that can occur during cooking, especially if the fruits haven’t been properly scored.
Our tip: take advantage of your oven’s heating cycle to prepare other recipes in the wood-fired oven. Many autumn dishes can be cooked using ember-based cooking.
Tips for perfectly roasted chestnuts on a wood fire
- To successfully roast chestnuts on a wood fire, it is recommended to use a chestnut pan. Equipped with a perforated bottom, this type of pan allows for quick cooking of these hard-fleshed fruits. The pan you use should be suitable for use over embers: preferably choose an aluminum cast iron model, which ensures excellent heat distribution.
- Be sure to stir the chestnuts well during cooking. Do this regularly to get evenly roasted chestnuts, rather than ones burnt on one side.
- Don’t forget your grill! This support stabilizes your pan and prevents direct contact with the embers, which could burn the chestnuts.
Serving ideas and storage
To get into the festive spirit and welcome the arrival of winter, you can enjoy your chestnuts with a good mulled wine. These roasted fruits also pair very well with roasted meat, especially poultry.
Cooked but unpeeled chestnuts keep well: simply store them in a paper bag, away from light and moisture. You can enjoy them later by reheating them in a pan.
Eco-friendly and budget-friendly tip:
Make the most of your wood-fired oven’s heating cycle by preparing other autumn dishes that will benefit from the oven’s residual heat after roasting your chestnuts.
Photos: Royalty-free
