8 Ways to Include Chestnuts in Your Holiday Dishes

Chestnuts roasting on the open fire…we all know the song, but does any of actually know what the heck to do with a chestnut?

In reality, whether boiled or roasted, they make a delicious nutty edition to many a holiday dish, and you would be quite forgiven, if faced with a chestnut for the first time, for not having the faintest idea what to do with it.

Next time you see a big basket of chestnuts at the market, don’t shy away. Buy yourself a scoop and then check out these creative recipes for some great ideas on how to prepare chestnuts for your holiday feast.

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes, it is the largest meatless, vegan, plant-based, and allergy-friendly recipe resource to help you get healthy!

1. Chestnut and Roasted Cauliflower Soup With Lemon-Parsley Oil

Source: Chestnut and Roasted Cauliflower Soup With Lemon-Parsley Oil

This Chestnut and Roasted Cauliflower Soup With Lemon-Parsley Oil by Nancy Partington pairs sweet, nutty chestnuts with earthy roasted cauliflower, the usual aromatics (onion, celery, garlic), and a pinch of herbs de Provence. It is rich, earthy, hearty, and very satisfying on a cold winter day. For a bright, punchy element, swirl each bowl with parsley-lemon oil, a scattering of crispy sprouted pumpkin seeds and a two-tone gomasio that adds crunch and a savory-salty finish.

2. Pasta with Creamy Chestnut Pesto

Source: Pasta with Creamy Chestnut Pesto

This Pasta with Creamy Chestnut Pesto by Louise and Nico is a dish that will make you fall in love with this delicious nut. In Italy, chestnuts are eaten in a million different ways. Here, we created a dish with 3 iconic Italian ingredients: la castagna(chestnut), la nocciola (hazelnut), and bronze-cut spaghetti. It’s one of the best pastas you will ever have. It’s cozy, creamy, cheesy, and earthy. What do you think?

3. Chestnut and Rosemary Scones

Source: Chestnut and Rosemary Scones

Gluten-Free, Vegan Chestnut and Rosemary Scones by Julia Shannahan are a great winter, savory treat. Perfect for cold winter afternoons with a cup of tea. Serve them with gluten-free, vegan margarine and cranberry sauce or chutney.

4. Chestnut and Lentil Loaf

Source: Chestnut and Lentil Loaf

The lentils and the rest of the ingredients in this Chestnut and Lentil Loaf by Kim Sujovolsky will give you nothing less than the meatiest vegan meatloaf. Although there are endless ways to make a lentil loaf, this one uses chestnuts, which makes this dish perfect for the holiday season, and really good next to any gravies or pan sauces, not to mention the simple addition of a little extra ketchup on the side.

5. Pumpkin-Cinnamon-Chestnut Rolls

Source: Pumpkin-Cinnamon-Chestnut Rolls

These Pumpkin-Cinnamon-Chestnut Rolls by True Foods Blog are a sweet treat that does not come with all the sugar of your typical cinnamon roll! Because of the spelt grain, and the low amount of added sugar, and fat, these autumn rolls are a sweet treat that you can enjoy with a good conscience. Topping them with the glaze makes them even more amazing!

6. Savory Hazelnut Chestnut Spread

Source: Savory Hazelnut Chestnut Spread

The perfect topping for toast, crackers, or bagels for a savory snack, breakfast, or side for your soup! This Savory Hazelnut Chestnut Spread by Camille David is packed with protein, and it has all of the delicious flavors of winter.

7. Chestnut Mushroom Stuffing

Source: Chestnut Mushroom Stuffing

Stuffing is another one of those Thanksgiving dishes that’s usually drowned in butter – but it doesn’t have to be. A good quality olive oil works very well. The trick is to make sure your other ingredients are packed with flavor, just like in this Chestnut Mushroom Stuffing by Cathy Elton.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Apples and Chestnuts

Source: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Apples and Chestnuts

It’s that time of year! The time to roast chestnuts, Brussels sprouts, and apples. If you aren’t sure if you like Brussels sprouts, give Brussels sprouts a try. Despite their reputation, they actually have a pretty mild flavor when roasted. If you are trying to convince your kids to try them, remind them they are mini cabbages made bite-size just for them. And pretty cute too! Make sure you do your Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Apples and Chestnuts by Michaell Johnson on a cookie sheet to maximize your crispiness efforts.

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