Cook chestnuts at home is one of those small pleasures that announce the arrival of autumn. The problem is that there is not always the desire or time to turn on the oven or wait for them to cook in the pan. Luckily, there is a quick, clean and smokeless alternative that is much more practical: the microwave.
How to cook chestnuts at home
This dried fruit, with its hard shell and soft interior, is synonymous with tradition, warmth and home. Nowadays, chestnuts are a versatile ingredient that can elevate any autumn dish, from the simplest to the most sophisticated.
Fresh chestnuts have a lot of water. Therefore, when heated, the steam generated inside can make them explode if there is no way out. The solution is simple: Make a small cut before cooking them.
With a very sharp knife, make a cross-shaped incision at the top of each chestnut, going through not only the hard shell, but also the inner skin. This simple gesture not only prevents accidents, but also facilitates subsequent peeling.
The next step is Arrange them in a microwave-safe container.in a single layer. If it is a large quantity, it is advisable to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
Before putting them in the microwave, it is recommended pour a small splash of water into the bottom of the container. It is not necessary for the chestnuts to be covered: a little moisture is enough to generate steam and reproduce an effect similar to that of classic oven roasting, but in a fraction of the time.
The container should be covered with a microwave-safe lid or, failing that, with perforated plastic film, which allow steam to escape without causing splashes.
With everything ready, the microwave is programmed at maximum power and they cook between 4 and 5 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of the chestnuts and the power of the team, so it is advisable to control the point after minute four.
They will be ready when the outer shell and inner skin have opened slightly. If they are not yet completely tender, you can continue cooking in 30-second intervals until you obtain the desired texture.
Once cooked, it is important let them rest for a few minutes. The residual steam will help the skin to peel off more easily and will also prevent possible burns when handling them.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
