The other day I saw some chestnuts (kuri 栗 in Japanese) in the Japanese store I go to, so I grabbed some feeling nostalgic about fall ingredients in Japan. I put them on the kitchen counter thinking that I would make Kuri Gohan (Chestnut Rice) later on that evening. But the next time I saw them, they were in the BBQ grill nicely being roasted by my husband.
He also had some memories of enjoying chestnuts while growing up with his grandmother. He saw chestnuts on the kitchen counter and he couldn’t resist the urge to roast them. We end up eating these as a snack with our children and they loved it, especially my daughter.
By the way, if you are thinking of traveling to Japan, I think fall and spring in Japan are the most beautiful seasons, and I’d definitely recommend end of March to early April for cherry blossom viewing and mid November to early December for fall foliage (the time varies depends on the location in Japan).
Fall used to be my favorite season before coming to San Francisco. Here we don’t see too many trees turning colors like how it is in Japan. My husband is on the plane to Tokyo right now for business and I’m so jealous! He gets to meet my mom one night and he also gets to eat some seasonal food!
The four seasons are very distinct in Japan (similar to US East Coast) and the Japanese enjoy different seasonal ingredients. On Wednesday I will share another fall ingredient/recipe that is popular in Japan.
But for now, check out this easy roasted chestnut recipe from my husband. Have a great week everyone!
Ingredients:
- chestnuts
- charcoal
Instructions:
- Start the grill. You don't need as much charcoal as you might need for grilling steak or fish.
- Using a small, sharp knife, cut a cross into the skin of each chestnut (my husband did not do this process, but the chestnuts luckily didn't explode.).
- Roast over the BBQ grill covered for 15-20 minutes, or until you see the skin opens up.
Notes
http://justonecookbook.com/blog/recipes/roast-chestnuts/Enjoy!
Hi, I'm Nami. Thanks for stopping by Just One Cookbook. You can read little bit more about me 
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Wow,
This looks delicious! Lovely to snack on.
they look wonderful!
I love roasted chestnuts. I think they are so pretty. I hope you have some left to share your chestnut rice with us
The photos are beautiful! Makes me thinking of The Christmas Song — “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” Somehow, I always mentally forget about fall and look forward to winter and Christmas, but hearing your stories and seeing your photographs make me want to appreciate fall a little more. =)
Thank you Kimmi! To be honest, I’ve never related chestnuts with Christmas before, so it was interesting to receive many feedback with “Christmas” in it.
I’d love to enjoy chestnuts till Christmas if they are available!
This recipe has me longing for the holidays! Gorgeous, Nami!
Such a lovely post, Nami-) I remember roasted Chestnuts in Paris, last Fall, very good memories, in fact they are grant! Thank you, and I hope your husband coming back soon, I can hear a little sadness in your voice. You have a lovely week too!
Hi! This is what exactly I want right now! Too bad charcoal grill is considered unsafe here at my apartment. I am so jealous of you.
I’ve sung about roasted chestnuts but never eaten them. I think it’s time. I can’t believe how simple they are to make ……… and they look wonderful!
Dear Nami, I enjoy your little stories about family and Japan. If you want to see beautiful Fall Foliage in the USA you and your family should plan a trip to a North Eastern State like Ct., VT. or New Hampshire. Also Michigan has beautiful fall colors. The season is October and November. I hope one day you could plan a cross country trip for the whole family.
I enjoy some of your recipes and did like your husbands idea of roasting the Chess Nuts on the barbeque. Never thought of that. Tell him Thank You very much.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn! Thank you for your kind comment.
I’ve been to NH once, and also Boston in fall, but I was probably 1-2 weeks early for perfect foliage. I definitely need to take a trip there to fully enjoy autumn. I really, really miss this season. Today was close to 80F here and I feel very strange to call it autumn… Thanks for writing, Marilyn!
I have never roasted chestnuts. It’s not a nut we traditionally have here in Australia. I did see them in the stores this winter though but I didn’t know what to do with them. I didn’t know they were that simple to roast. There are so many Christmas songs that mention roasting chestnuts that this really does remind me of Christmas xx
This couldn’t be easier. There’s a park here in town and whenever I go there this time of year there’s one man that always picks up all the chestnuts that fall from that tree. Great recipe and so easy.
By the way, when my son went to Kindergarten (he’s my oldest) I cried like a baby. It’s hard when you’re a stay-at-home mom because we devote so much time to them and with them. I cried even harder when he went far away to college. Both my kids are back living in St Louis although my son travels a lot. Cry all you want – it’s just because you love them so much!
They look wonderful…That’s so nice…roasting chestnuts on the grill! I picked some up last year and tried to roast them in a cast iron skillet, and I wasn’t quite sure how it was supposed to turn out. I only had them once when I was in London, they roasted them on the streets over a barrel with a grill grate. I will try the grill this year when I see chestnuts in the stores. Maybe I’ll roast some oysters too!
Oh that looks so good, Nami! I haven’t had roasted chestnuts for soooo long! Wasn’t able to get them in HK when I went this year =(
I’ve seen chestnuts in the Italian grocery store I frequent sometimes but have never had the courage to buy and roast any. Perhaps this year will be different and I can try a chestnut dressing/stuffing for the Xmas turkey as I didn’t have one for Thanksgiving.
Or just to snack on. Is there any particular nut that chestnuts taste similar to or is their taste unique?
Lucky hubby getting to visit your mom.
I enjoy chestnuts, but don’t cook them very often. Yours look so tender and delicious!
Oh, I love that you’ve roasted them over coals! I’ve only ever done mine in the oven. Now I want some…
So beautiful! I love the idea of roasting the chestnuts on the grill. I think my Hubby will agree
Yum! I remember eating these chestnuts in Vancouver. There were street vendors that sold roasted chestnuts. Can these be baked in the oven, Nami? I don’t have grill at home.
Hi Candice! I just googled and saw several recipes using the oven. Here’s one:http://homecooking.about.com/od/nutrecipes/r/blmisc38.htm. Hope this helps.
I thought Italians were the only one that roast chestnuts! I love them too: they remind me of fall afternoons on the hills….
OK, remember being a bub, a toddler, a knee-high-to-a-grasshopper kid: where did we go in autumn: to pick chestnuts in the city parks! Darn it, gloves or not, they were prickly and none of us cared picking the shining ‘brown things’ with paler centres out of that hurting mess
! But what a fortune to take home 
! And have to play!! Yup, guess they were sometimes roasted: BUT they were OUR autumnal toy – darn it, never mind how they tasted!! So much better than marbles 
!
Thanks for sharing this fun Fall treat! I used to buy roasted chestnuts when I lived in Seattle, and my mother used to roast some in the oven evry year when I was a child.
I wii have to make some this year! Allen.
Love the colour of your chestnut here!
Thanks for the tip on when to visit Japan. We haven’t been, and would like to sometime – that’s really useful info. And thanks, too, for this post. I haven’t roasted chestnuts in at least 20 years! And they’re so good. I have to do this again. Love the pictures, BTW. They’re all good, but I particularly like the 2nd one. Thanks for this.
There is something so warming and delicious about roast nuts, though now I must try chestnuts!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
This reminds me of Christmas, its a popular street food in the Philippines during the Christmas season
My mama adores these! Keep on the look out for a post I did for CCU on chestnut bread. Your post put a smile on my face =)
This is the best way to eat chestnut’s.
I love roasted chestnuts and I make a chicken soup with them that’s so good. That reminds me that I should make it for my blog. I’ve never put them on the bbq but what a great idea!
Hi Nami, roast chestnuts are beautiful arent they? Is a popular snack in Malaysia too, used to be a street snack food, now it has moved upmarket to being sold in kiosks in shopping malls and cost quite a bit for a small packet.
Okay, one year I tried roasting chestnuts in the oven and they didn’t blossom open like yours! Maybe they were a bad batch? Our seasons aren’t too distinct here in San Diego either. Considering we had fall-like weather last week and this week it’s supposed to heat up to 95º!!!!
During fall in Greece there are street vendors who roast chestnuts and sell them! I love the smell in the open air and I always buy a small bag. They look very delectable Nami!
I love the four seasons, too. These herald a lovely snowy day!!
best snack ever! Here in London in the dark of winter, chestnut-sellers stand on street corners with their little braziers, the divine smell making them irresistible. A bit like a Charles Dickens scene.
Hi,
we are definitely on the same page;), I love roasted chestnuts! And autumn has always been my favorite season in Italy, here in Sweden is so short but the colors are absolutely beautiful… so many red, oranges and yellow.
I have learned from my parents in Italy to use seasonal vegetables and fruit and I agree with you, I think Japan and Italy have many things in common regarding food. I think that in Sweden there is no food culture like in Italy or Japan.
Ciao.
So yummy… I grew up eating roasted cashews… sometimes we’d boil them – when we’re lazy:)
I forgot… I will make soon roasted chestnuts too. I just have to find them first… not easy here, there are no chestnuts tree in Sweden and chestnuts are imported from Italy or France;).
Ciao.
Dear Nami,
These look delicious and when we went chestnut picking in autumn, we roasted them on a hot cast iron pan in an open fireplace. They are making want to have a few drinks during happy hour!
I have never had roasted chestnuts. They look so amazing. I have a question to ask your regarding lightroom so I’m going to email you if that’s okay.
So simple yet so delicious! This is one of my Mum’s fave things to make
Hehe that is so cute that he couldn’t resist roasting them! Now I wonder if I leave food around, that Mr NQN will do that? I can only hope!
I remember collecting chestnuts when I was little just for fun. Never did I dream of grilling or roasting them.
I love this idea! I could seriously see myself having this for the whole day
I love chestnut, but most of the time I will just boil them, equally yummy too! Planning to visit Japan for fall foliage next year, really looking forward to it!
My hubby loves to buy roasted chestnuts. There’re stalls here in S’pore roasting them on the spot for you. Chestnut rice? I haven’t heard of it. Gosh, must be real tasty!
I love the aroma of roasted chestnuts! I can imagine how enjoyable these must have been. Thanks for sharing this roasting idea. I loved Tokyo and can’t wait to go back again, esp. now that you mentioned mid-Nov. and the spring months are good travel times! Have a good week, Nami!
I have heard of roasted chestnuts but never knew how to make them! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful fall recipe. A lovely way to begin the work week! I hope yours is full of good food, friends, and laughter!
these sound fantastic Nami! YUM!
my sister is sending me some chestnuts from her neighbors tree this week, I can’t wait to roast them up!
So glad I came upon your blog, I have a few Korean and Japanese friends and I absolutely love the food they prepare, your recipes help me make dishes in my kitchen that remind my friends of home..Great blog..
Hi Lesley! Thank you for finding my blog!
I am happy to hear you enjoy Korean and Japanese food. I hope my recipes are easy to follow and you will enjoy them. Thank you for your kind comment!
I have never had a roasted chestnuts. Your photos are so beautiful, that I can actually smell it!
These roasted chestnuts are lovely, Nami! They’re definitely reminiscent of the holidays, which I can’t wait for. Any idea if they could be done over a gas grill? Thank you for sharing!
Hi Georgia! Thanks for asking. I listed in the Note section but I’ll also put the link I found here. I’ve never tried it, but it looks it’ll work.
Stove top: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Roasted-Chestnuts-108718
Oven: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/roastchestnuts_68084
Nami, I grow up eating chestnuts in the Fall time and just few weeks ago roasted them. I love them , and my family too. How funny that we grow up in different parts of the world but calling chestnuts childhood favorite snacks in the fall time. Food brings people together! Gorgeous pictures as always!
These chestnuts look delicious. And I agree with you– spring and fall are by far the best times to visit Japan! (And summer is the worst!) If I could go back at any time of the year, I think I would be torn between the first week of April (for hanami) and right around now in October (for the weather and the food…).
Such beautiful photos, Nami! I love roasted chestnuts!!
We don’t have chesnuts in Peru, the only city where I saw was in NY years ago. And we also don’t have 4 seasons, we only have 2, summer and winter, so spring and fall are not so clear to see, we only have some transitions time that could take 1 week or a month.
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” song came to mind when I read this title. It’s almost Christmas time. I often see chestnuts in Japan Town, not knowing that it’s famous in Japan. Now, I know why. It’s my goal to visit Japan again, hopefully during Cherry Blossom – so beautiful!
In India we were not used to chestnuts. Atleast I have not tasted it there. I bought of pack of chestnut from Ranch 99 and have been in love with it since then. I am loving this roasted recipe. Will try it soon. They look so plump and delicious.
Wow. A recipe from your husband! These look perfect for the upcoming holidays.
i have never thought to roast my own chestnuts. i mean I sure do love that christmas song but boy how genius to do it yourself and with the roasted flavor I am sure they are fabulous! your getting me in the holiday mood
I love roasted chestnuts. The pictures are just beautiful!!!
Its raining reaaly hard here and I want some roasted chestnuts.
Chestnuts are quite expensive here and we do have preroasted chestnuts sold here so we do not have to do it ourselves:D I love these!
Hello Nami, Chestnuts are very popular in Greek Cuisine too, but I;d say that it is a winter product for us. I love them, I cant stop munching on them.
Hugs and Kisses
Roasted kuri is almost always sold by a vendor outside of a Japanese store. But I bet nothing beats having it freshly roasted by a thoughtful husband! The kuri gohan sounds yummy!
I roasted chestnut for the first time last year and wasn’t very satisfied with the results. I think the chestnuts I used were old because they didn’t look anything like yours. There were a few in there that were really tasty making me wanting to try it again. You’ve now inspired me to do it again this year, but I think I’ll use the grilling method. Thanks! Don’t you just hate it when the hubby gets to travel while you stay at home. Bobby was up in Taos for a few days and all I heard about were the beautiful fall colors. UGH!
These look so pretty! What a perfect snack for the holidays!
My favourite since I was in primary school (7-8 years of age)… would saved my lunch money and frequented the chessnut stall everyday after school
yes, i like to visit fall season in Japan one day, hopefully this trip will coming soon..roast chestnus is very nice, we can get it easily from Jusco..
I haven’t tried cooking my own roasted chestnuts because there’s always one available at the grocery entrance… and it’s warm too!
It’s my dream to go to Japan. I almost went there in 2009, but was traveling on budget and it was too expensive at the time. But will go there for sure one day
and the plan always was to see a cherry blossom.
I love chestnuts… roast or even boiled! I love them, and now I crave them!
Your pictures are lovely!
PS: In Italy we called them “caldarroste” (caldo=hot + arroste=roast)
I’ve never even tasted a fresh roasted chestnut before! Your photos are amazing…these would be fun to make for the holidays!!!
Nami, isn´t that lovely to think that you roasted chestnuts too when you were young or cooked with them. We love eating roasted chestnuts around christmas time, I even have a chestnut tree in my garden and I will boil them, grind them into flour and bake with them. I absolutely adore cooking and baking with chestnuts and your lovely post just reminded me of all the lovely dishes to come. Thanks, Nami!
never did like chestnuts growing up.. but so loving it now! your hubby is so clever! there’s nothing like it eating it as it is, freshly roasted, is there? ^^ since there’s not much choice in my case, i will gladly settle for a pack of ready to eat, aji ichiban chesnuts ^^
Like you, I enjoyed these little yummers when I was growing up but it’s something that we only enjoy during holidays like Christmas and New Year. That is one great shot of the chestnuts Nami. I would have printed that to frame if you have a high res copy. Have a good week, Nami!
Delicious Snack!!
Hope you are having a great week, I am just having crazy past few days.. too many things to do….
Take care!
Roasted chestnuts are a treat, funny I see it more as a winter thing. I roasted my first ones only 2 years ago. they do make a fabulous snack. Now I really want to go to Japan! You’ll go back soon for sure.
Autumn has officially arrived, Nami. I can practically smell the lovely roasted chestnut aroma from your photos. You sound like you are missing the fall in Japan. I’ve visited the Japanese gardens in Kildare, Ireland, in Autumn and they are truely awesome and, I imagine, a tiny, tiny taste of the real thing.
How can you make chestnuts look so delicious? I love the photos! I’m pretty nostalgic about roasted chestnuts too. They were my mom’s favorite and I would buy her a small bag that are freshly roasted whenever I am out. When I hand them over to her, I felt like handing a bag of candies to a kid because she gives me this big smile it’s all that matters. I wish she was still here and I can make her as much roasted chestnuts as she wants in my house. My husband and I enjoy roasting chestnuts too during the cold season.
You know what is funny I was just thinking about how to roast chestnuts. It looks so simple who knew. I think it’s great that your hubby does some cooking too! I also think of the Christmas song that says “chestnuts roasting on an open fire”
Sorry you didn’t get to go to Japan 
hope you have a great week.
Believe it or not, I’ve never had chestnuts before. Must change soon!!!
Nami, I also envy your husband a lot! Lucky him! The first chestnut photo is one of the most beautiful photos of food I have ever seen. They look like pieces of art… I had no idea how to grill chestnuts at home (they are sold in my city on the streets, but they don’t look as gorgeous as these), so now I know I can buy and prepare them one day. Thank you so much for the instructions!
The first time I ever had roasted chestnuts was last winter and I really enjoyed them. I’m going to have to keep my eyes open for them now that we’re fully into fall! How wonderful that your husband gets to travel to Japan this time of year (even if it is for work). It’s on my list of places to get to someday.
Seeing these brings back so many childhood memories! I loved these as a kid and my dad and I would fight over who gets the last one! My mom never roasted them herself but we’d buy them roasted at the market and they were to die for. I can’t wait to give these a try myself – it’ll be so great!
I’ve never actually roasted chestnuts (although I’ve sang tons of songs about it lol). If I ever see fresh chestnuts I’m giving them a buy, I never realized that it’s a relatively easy process.
Hi Nami, you’re bringing back memories of Penang. Surprisingly, there are two guys right in the heart of George Town roasting chestnuts on a street cart every day. The aroma, the smoke, the sound of the chestnuts being stirred. I can never resist buying some when I walk by.
Wow, mid-November into December for fall colors? I didn’t realize it was that late in the year. I wish Minnesota had that short of a winter!
I used to eat a lot of roasted chestnut as growing up in Korea. It was one of the most common cold weather snack and street food. I miss seeing chestnuts roasting on a open charcoal fire, getting a bag full of them, and sharing with friends as we walking along the busy streets of Korea. I miss the cold weather. Your photos are breathtakingly beautiful.
How wonderful! Of course chestnuts make me think of Christmas “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…..” All these years of listening to that Christmas song and I have never roasted a chestnut. Shame on me! This would be a fun thing to do for the holidays.
What beautiful clicks Nami..long time since I used charcoal for my cooking.
I have fond chestnut memories from austria as well. u r right, europe and japan have so many things in common. We call them maroni here (the edible ones fro humans) and the other ones for the animals are called kastanien. We make a puree of the maroni and use it in roulades etc or just on a bread like nutella. The rosting on the fire is always done by my dad. He is so addicted to the taste. My grandmother used to tell us stories that maroni where the only thing they had sometimes in the war time.
great pics nami and a delicious snack.
I absolutely love and adore roasted chestnuts…yes, over an open fire!
When I lived in Italy, when it got cold in the Fall, there were people on the street roasting them right there and handing out bags of them for only a couple of euro. This was the first time that I have had them and I was totally amazed by the depth of flavor! My Italian home-stay mom would make jam out of it too! Thanks for sharing the tutorial for those who haven’t experienced good roasted chestnuts!
I’ve gotten get my husband to do this in the Big Green Egg, as I’ve only roasted them in the oven. But I love the idea of the added smokiness the charcoal grill would impart.
Ah thanks for the reminder, I absolutely love chestnuts and it’s that time of year!
Roasted chestnuts! I have fond memories of those from Taiwan also, though my Mom and sister are the biggest fans, when fall/winter comes around and they get their hands on the chestnuts, into the oven they go!
This brings back sooooo many memories. My mom taught me how to roast chestnuts and every year we will always buy a bunch to make at home. It’s such a simple yet satisfying snack!
You know, I’ve never had a roasted chestnut before. I hear about them in all the Christmas songs, so I should try them by this holiday season. And I don’t have a fireplace, but I do have a grill, and your tutorial.
That’s funny about them not exploding!
I always buy the pre-roasted ones from Melissa’s. I think I need to roast them myself after seeing how easy it is. Merci Nami!
LL
I have to say, I don’t get on with chestnuts at all. Sometimes I really like them, and actually I’m going to make a dish tomorrow, and post about it on, or around Monday, which has them inside… it’s weird, but good, but usually I just can’t take them. I had a terrible experience with them when I was a kid… Ate so many, and the flavour of them when they were “making their journey back up again” was… well, not something I will ever forget.
Not only this, but last time I roasted them I made the “X” cut in all of them, but I guess I didn’t go deep enough on one. As soon as I opened the oven door… “BANG”, exploding chestnut in my face. Not cool!
Wow- how cool is this method to roast chestnuts- will be trying this, I’m hoping to inspire my husband to try this project as we love roast chestnuts but have never made them at home;-)
Roasted chestnuts are one of my mother’s favorite foods and I remember them being a big part of my childhood. I’ve never made them myself, though. I really should try it sometime. Oh, I can almost smell these guys as they cook!
Looking forward to seeing your new props here. What a treasure you got from your mom!
These look wonderful and perfect for heading into the holiday season! I have never made roasted chestnuts but now I have a perfect recipe and guide. Hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend!
I love snacking on chestnuts but somehow, i find that the chestnut back home in Singapore are tastier and more tender. Will have to snack on loads of them when i go home!
I absolutely love roasted chestnuts. These are gorgeous.
Oh I love love chestnuts. It is our Christmas tradition to head into the Old Town for a cup of mulled wine and a bag of chestnuts. Thanks for sharing this and making me smile:)
I was just talking to Ilke’s Kitchen about roasted chestnuts, now I need to find some! I pretty much love every nut, so look forward to the gorgeous flavors they have to offer. Love how you have the recipe title in Japanese too! Hugs, Terra
These are one of my favorite street food back in Hong Kong! I remember street vendors selling “wok fry” chestnuts all over the place in the Fall and Winter season. One can really smell the smoky and sweet aroma from far far away….
It’s just a wonderful feeling that a particular food can bring back so many memories. I’m sure those of your husbands and his grandma’s are warm and sweet, just like these roasted chestnuts.
Wow, how lucky your hubby get to visit Japan this time of year! I wish I can be there for Fall too.
I love fresh roasted chestnuts! Such a fall food, along with persimmons.
I’m looking forward to visiting family in Japan hopefully this year, but it will be too late for cherry blossoms (May) and I would really love to see it in fall.
Oh well, guess it means I’ll have to go again soon after, right?!
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