The Enchantment of Autumn Chestnuts
Autumn breezes bring with them the tantalizing aroma of chestnuts. The sight of long queues outside street vendors selling sugar – roasted chestnuts awakens our taste buds and stirs our cravings. Fear not, for with this oven – baked version, you can enjoy the same deliciousness in the comfort of your home.
Gathering the Ingredients of Delight
We start with 500 grams of Qianxi chestnuts, renowned for their quality. An appropriate amount of water, 5 grams of salt, 20 grams of honey, a little cooking oil, and a bit of cool boiled water. These simple ingredients will come together to create a symphony of flavors.
The Ritual of Preparation
Selecting and Preparing the Chestnuts
The Choice of Chestnuts: Opt for authentic Qianxi chestnuts. Their superior quality makes them the ideal choice for this recipe. Examine each chestnut and choose those without any signs of wormholes. Gently wash the exterior to remove any dirt.
Preparing for the Oven: Once cleaned, drain the chestnuts thoroughly. Using a serrated knife, carefully make a small incision on each chestnut. Be cautious not to cut into the flesh and, most importantly, avoid injuring yourself.
The Boiling and Soaking Process
Boiling the Chestnuts: In a pot, add salt and enough water to cover the chestnuts. Bring the water to a boil and cook the chestnuts for 5 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let them sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the chestnuts you have.
Coating the Chestnuts
Mixing the Coating: After boiling, remove the chestnuts and dry them. In a separate bowl, mix the honey, cooking oil, and cool boiled water until well combined.
Applying the Coating: Pour this mixture over the chestnuts and toss gently to ensure each chestnut is evenly coated with the sweet and oily glaze.
The Oven – Baking Magic
Preparing the Oven: Preheat your oven. Line a baking tray with tin foil. Place the coated chestnuts on the tray.
Baking to Perfection: Put the tray in the middle of the preheated oven at 200℃. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes. However, different ovens have different heating characteristics, so you may need to adjust the temperature and time accordingly. After 10 minutes of baking, take the chestnuts out and dip them again in the honey – oil mixture. Then, return them to the oven and continue baking for another 10 – 15 minutes.
The Reward of Your Efforts
The result is a plate of chestnuts that are a joy to behold. They are not only sweet and soft but also incredibly easy to peel. The inner membrane no longer sticks, allowing you to enjoy each chestnut with ease. Every bite is filled with the rich flavor of autumn, a delicious treat that will surely satisfy your cravings.