How To Roast Chestnuts On An Open Fire

Roasted chestnuts are a very healthy snack.

It’s one of the reasons why people take chestnuts on their camping and hiking trips.

They can be eaten raw or roasted depending on what you like.

Learning to roast chestnuts on an open fire is a valuable skill, especially if you love the outdoors.

You will always have a tasty snack, even when you are on your outdoor adventures.

I have a few steps you can follow to roast your chestnuts on an open fire.

Here you go…

Step 1: Choosing the Chestnuts

When you go shopping for your chestnuts, you should buy the ones that are not cracked.

Your chestnuts shouldn’t rattle when you shake them.

If your chestnuts rattle when you shake them, it means they are drying out.

They will be very hard when you roast them and not fun to eat.

The nuts should also not have any signs of mould.

You need the best chestnuts that are still fresh to enjoy the treat.

While at it, pick a roasting pan that is heavy enough and won’t be affected by the fire.

Step 2: Build A Fire

An indoor fireplace can also be an open fire, but I think an outdoor campfire is more fun.

Plus is you are hiking or camping, it’s the only option you have (you’ll need a way to generate fire – permanent matches are my best choice)

You need hot coals to roast the chestnuts properly. Gather your dry wood in the fire pit and light them.

Let the wood burn down for a while to get the coals ready.

But you should not wait too long until the pit starts to get cold.

As soon as you have hot coal, you can push the unburned wood to the side and begin your roasting.

As you wait for the firewood to burn, you can start getting the chestnuts ready.

Step 3: Prepare The Chestnuts

First, you need to rinse the chestnuts and examine them to see if there are any damages.

If there is one that still rattles when you shake it, get rid of it.

You have to cut an X on the shell to ensure the chestnuts don’t explode when you roast them.

It allows the pressure to escape when the nuts are roasting.

You can score the X on the round site or the flat side of the chestnuts.

But I recommend cutting the X on the round side for ease of peeling.

It’s okay if you cut the flesh a little bit; it won’t affect the taste. Be generous when cutting the X.

If you cut a small X, you will have difficulty peeling after the chestnuts are roasted.

Step 4: Make A Coal Bed

By the time you are done preparing your chestnuts, your fire will be ready.

Go to the pit and make a bed using the hot coal.

Push the hot coal to one side of the fire pit. Roasting the nuts using the flames will char the chestnuts, and your arm will get tired from holding the pan.

It’s also uncomfortable to stand that close to a flaming wood fire. But when you wait for the wood to burn down, you will have an easier time.

Step 5: Roast

It’s time to roast your chestnuts on an open fire.

Pour some water into the pan, put your nuts in, and then place it on the coal bed you created.

The roasting will take fifteen to twenty minutes. Some people do the roasting without water, but it’s easier with a little water.

Stir the pan from time to time. You can add a splash of water when your pan gets dry.

After fifteen minutes, the shell will darken, and the scored parts will start to peel.

When the shell reveals the flesh, carefully remove the pan from the fire.

Once they have had a moment to cool, you can peel the nuts and enjoy.

You can dress the chestnuts or eat them the way they are.

How To Roast Chestnuts On An Open Flame

This is a simple way to enjoy roasted chestnuts. An open fire can be very hot, so you have to be careful.

These are the steps to follow.

1. Choosing the chestnuts
2. Build a fire
3. Prepare the chestnuts
4. Make a coal bed
5. Roast