Fall Chestnuts Simmered In Their Inner Skins
- 1 as many (to taste) Chestnuts
- 1 tbsp x 3 Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
- 1 Brandy
- 1 Sugar (50% of the weight of peeled chestnuts)
- Put the chestnuts in water.
- Only use the ones that sink to the bottom.
- (The ones that float have been gotten to by insects.)
- Leave the chestnuts to soak overnight (or, cover with boiling water and soak for 2 to 3 hours).
- This makes the outer shell easier to peel.
- Peel off the outer shell taking care not to damage the inner skin.
- (If you damage the inner skin, it will come off while the chestnuts are being cooked.)
- Put the peeled chestnuts in water.
- Measure the peeled chestnuts before they are cooled (to figure out the amount of sugar to add).
- Put the chestnuts and 1 tablespoon of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) in a pan (based on 1kg of chestnuts.
- If you have more or less, adjust the amount of baking soda).
- Add enough water to cover the chestnuts.
- Heat over medium heat.
- When it comes to a boil turn the heat down to low (don't let it come to a rolling boil) and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Throw out the water, run cold water into the pan (don't make the water stream too strong) and rinse the chestnuts.
- (The photo shows the chestnuts being cooked.
- It looks like a witch's magic brew....)
- Repeat Steps 3 and 4 three times.
- Please change the water carefully, or the skins will become damaged and the chestnuts will fall apart.
- Take the thick fibers off the inner skins (most of it should be gone after Step 5).
- Rub off any remaining thick fibers or inner skins by rubbing the chestnuts gently with your fingers.
- Put the chestnuts in a pan again with water to cover over medium heat.
- Turn the heat down to low when it comes to a boil, cook for 10 minutes or so and throw out the water.
- Repeat this until the chestnuts are no longer tannic.
- (About 3 times.)
- Add enough water to cover the chestnuts and half the sugar, and start cooking over medium heat.
- When it comes to a boil turn the heat down to low.
- Add the rest of the sugar in several batches, and simmer until the chestnuts are cooked to the texture you like.
- Add brandy (1 tablespoon to every 1 kg of chestnuts) and simmer lightly.
- Turn off the heat.
- Leave as-is overnight to let the flavors permeate the chestnuts.
- Done.
chestnuts, baking soda, brandy, sugar
Taken from cookpad.com/us/recipes/168039-fall-chestnuts-simmered-in-their-inner-skins (may not work)