How to roast the perfect chestnuts
Roasted chestnuts in Mallorca are a true autumn tradition. These nuts are rich in protein and carbohydrates, they contain iron, potassium, glucose, fructose and vitamin C.
The Roasted Chestnut season in Majorca usually starts in October and lasts until the end of November. At this time in small tents and markets local vendors right on the street offer passers by bags with chestnuts, whose aroma is spread throughout the area.
This simple and warm autumn snack is popular with locals as well as with tourists, but you can buy it, for example, at the “Olivar” market and near El Corte Inglés in Palma.
Roasted chestnuts have a soft and sweet texture, they can be eaten straight from the bag, enjoying the warmth and atmosphere of the surrounding holiday. This traditional treat is great for a walk with friends and family, adding coziness to autumn evenings.
In Spain, including Mallorca, chestnuts are sometimes added to meat dishes such as pork or poultry. Chestnuts give the dish a soft, Slightly sweet taste that goes well with meat.
But you can buy raw chestnuts and prepare them yourself. It’s not difficult at all. You will need a little patience and some simple ingredients. Here is the step-by-step instruction:
Ingredients:
- Chestnuts
- Salt (to taste)
Preparation
Wash the chestnuts under cold water and dry. Then, using a sharp knife, make a cross-shaped cut on the bulging side of each chestnut or stab with a fork in different places. This will prevent them from exploding when heating and make cleaning easier after frying
In a pan. Heat a thick-bottomed pan over medium heat. Put the chestnuts in a pan with a cut up and fry them, stirring periodically, for about 15-20 minutes. Chestnuts should be soft inside and slightly roasted on the outside.
In an oven. Heat the oven to 200°C. Place the chestnuts on the baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the shell starts to break off and the chestnuts become soft.
Remove the hot chestnuts from the fire or take them out of the oven, let them cool down a little. Clean them while they are still warm, it is easier that way.
Serve roasted chestnuts hot, prepared according to taste.
Advice. Roast chestnuts carefully, if you overdo it, they will lose too much moisture and become hard and will taste bad.
