How To Roast Chestnuts On An Open Fire or Grill

Chestnuts in a pan roasted on open fire with ashes in the background.

No ratings yet

How To Roast Chestnuts On An Open Fire or Grill

Chestnuts roasted on an open fire is one of the most delicious treats. Learn 3 easy ways how you can roast chestnuts on an open fire.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Calories: 222kcal

Author: Svi

Ingredients

1 lb fresh chestnuts, 450-500 g
1 tablespoon coarse salt optional

Instructions

Start The Fire

Whether you’re roasting in a fireplace, campfire or a grill start them going first.
In the meantime prepare the chestnuts.

Rinse & Score Chestnuts

Wash chestnuts under cold running water.
1 lb fresh chestnuts,
Using a small sharp knife or Italian Chestnut Knife make a long slit cut across the rounded side of a chestnut.
TOP TIP: Try not to cut too deep into the nut as it’ll make it harder to peel!
Discard any cracked or moldy chestnuts.
Arrange scored chestnuts in the pan in a single layer or slightly overlapping (chestnuts will shrink a little as they cook). Sprinkle with salt.
1 tablespoon coarse salt

Roast Chestnuts On Fire: Direct Method - Over Flames

Place the pan with chestnuts over the fire. You can hand-held if you’re roasting in a chestnut pan with a long handle or place a pan on a pan holder.
The flames should be about 2 feet away from the chestnuts, otherwise they’ll burn before cooking through.
Shake the pan and toss chestnuts frequently. Once they start to open up and get light burn marks from the fire, taste for doneness. Depending on the size of the chestnuts and the roasting pan you use it might take 12-15 minutes for chestnuts to roast.
Once ready, put chestnuts in a brown bag or a kitchen towel and let rest for 10 minutes before eating. If it’s cold outside wrap the bag with a towel or a blanket.

Roast Chestnuts On Fire: Indirect Method - Over Bed Of Hot Coals (Best Result!)

Let the fire burn down to embers.
TOP TIP: If you’re roasting in a fireplace or on a campfire you can still keep the fire going and roast chestnuts at the same time. Simply wait until you have enough hot embers to put your chestnut over and set them slightly on the side of the main fire.
Place a pan with scored chestnuts over a bed of hot coals. You can put the pan directly on coals or better yet on a low pan holder. As an alternative you can arrange a DIY pan holder rack with 3 stones or bricks to slightly elevate the pan over the hot coals.
Roast chestnuts for about 20-25 minutes, tossing and shaking the pan from time to time.
Taste chestnuts once they start to get colored.
If they char too much but taste still raw on the inside, remove some coals from under the pan to reduce the heat and prevent chestnuts from burning. Roast for a few more minutes.
Once cooked, transfer chestnuts in a brown bag and let rest for 10 minutes.
This way the steam created inside will help chestnuts peel better, plus you won’t burn your hands peeling the chestnuts.

Roast Chestnuts On A Grill

If you want to make grilled chestnuts follow all the same step for preparing and scoring chestnuts.
Heat up the grill to 400F (200C).
You can use gas or charcoal grill for grilling chestnuts.
Place scored chestnuts in a grilling basket, grilling topper, cast iron pan or chestnuts roasting pan. Grill chestnuts for 10-15 minutes flipping them at least couple of times for even cooking.
Taste after the first 10 minutes and adjust the cooking times as needed.
Once ready, place grilled chestnuts in a paper bag, preferably wrap it with another towel and let rest for 10 minutes before eating.

Notes

Even if you’re not going to consume all chestnuts in one go, make sure you peel ALL roasted chestnuts while they’re still warm. They’ll be much harder to peel once they cool.

Nutrition