In Europe, particularly in the region mediterraneanchestnuts were a vital source of carbohydrates and energy, especially in times of famine. In countries like Italy, France and Spain, they were consumed roasted, but also for flourssoups and stews. Their natural sweetness and floury texture make them incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
The art of roasting chestnuts has been passed down from generation to generation, and remains a tradition in many cultures, especially during the winter festivities. However, times have changed, and while roasting chestnuts in a pan over an open fire has its charms, modern life often requires faster methods.
Roasting chestnuts in the microwave may seem like a different and unconventional version of the traditional oven or pan roasting technique, but it is an excellent alternative when we are looking for speed and simplicity. Although the microwave does not provide the same smoky flavor as an open fire or iron skillet, it is still an efficient and delicious option.
How to select and prepare chestnuts
Fresh chestnuts should be firm to the touch, with a shiny skin without spots or cracks. If the chestnuts have wrinkles or feel light, they are probably old or dry, and will not provide the best result. It is also important to ensure that there are no holes in the skin, which could indicate the presence of worms.
Once we have the fresh chestnuts, we must wash them well to remove any dirt of the shell. After washing, dry them completely with a clean cloth.
Ingredients and utensils for chestnuts in the microwave
- Fresh chestnuts.
- Water.
- A sharp knife.
- A clean cloth or rag.
- A microwave-safe container with a lid or perforated plastic wrap.
Preparation of chestnuts in the microwave
- We wash and dry well the chestnuts Then, carefully, we make a cross-shaped cut on the flat side of each one.
- Although not strictly necessary, some cooks recommend soak chestnuts in water for 10-15 minutes before microwaving them. This step can help soften the peel and make peeling even easier. If we decide to do so, we make sure to dry them well afterwards.
- Once cut and dried, we place the chestnuts in a microwave-safe container. It is important not to overfill the container, the chestnuts should have room to expand slightly. We add a couple of tablespoons of water to the container to create a humid environment, which will prevent the chestnuts from drying out too much.
- We cover the container with a microwave safe lid or we use perforated plastic wrap to allow steam to escape. If we use plastic wrap, we make sure to poke a few holes to prevent too much steam from building up inside the container.
- We place the container in the microwave and cook the chestnuts at maximum power for 2-3 minutes. The time may vary depending on the power of our microwave and the amount of chestnuts, so it is advisable to check after the first 2 minutes. If we notice that they are not completely cooked, we cook in additional intervals of 30 seconds.
- Once cooked, we let the chestnuts rest inside the container covered for a couple of minutes. This will help them finish cooking with the residual heat and make the shell come off more easily. To peel them, we simply pull the peel through the cut we made before cooking them.
The cut: a fundamental step
This is an essential step when roasting chestnuts, whether in the microwave, oven, or skillet. The chestnuts contain moisture inside of its shell, and when heated, that moisture turns into steam. If a cut is not made in the shell, the steam pressure could cause the chestnuts to explode in the microwave, which would not only be a cleanup disaster, but also a waste of food.
To avoid this, we use a sharp knife and we make a cross-shaped cut on the flat side of each chestnut. This cut will allow steam to escape and will also make peeling them easier after roasting, as the shell will open slightly during the cooking process.
Tips for success
- While it’s tempting to roast a lot of chestnuts at once, it’s best to do small batches. In the microwave, cooking is more effective if they are not crowded.
- The microwave can be very fast, so it is important don’t cook too much chestnuts, as they could dry out. Start with short times and review.
- If you want to give it a special touch, after roasting them, you can quickly sauté them in a pan with a little butter and salt to intensify the flavor.
#Chestnuts #microwave #quick #easy #prepare #winter
