Nostalgia is never universal and we didn't do all the traditional American things in my household growing up. But "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" is something we did do, and the smell and flavor of roasted chestnuts is one of my favorite olfactory memories.

If you can find Korean chestnuts, which are very sweet, then your chestnut rice will taste amazing. Otherwise, use the best in-season chestnuts you can find.

Try to use chestnuts that have been stored on your counter for a few days so that they are very dry- don't store them in a plastic bag, container, or in your fridge before peeling.

Preparation

1. Cut into the shell of the chestnut on both sides, as deep as you can without cutting deeply into the chestnut.
2. Bring a pot of water to boil.
3. Drop the chestnuts into the water and hard simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Drain the chestnuts.
5. When cool enough to handle, pull off the shells and inner skin.
6. Cut the chestnuts in half.
7. Combine the rice, chestnuts, and water in a pot and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce to low simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

1. After 15 minutes, stir chestnuts and rice together.
2. Turn off heat and let sit covered for another 2 minutes. 

 

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Some Nutritional Information about Chestnuts from SF Gate:

Digestive Health

Chestnuts have a high fiber content. Dietary fiber comes in the form of soluble and insoluble. Soluble gets absorbed in water and forms a gel-like consistency in the intestines. This type helps reduce cholesterol and stabilizes blood-sugar levels. Insoluble fiber creates bulk in the stool and helps it pass through the system quickly.

This helps reduce the risk for constipation and intestinal complications like diverticulosis -- a condition where small pockets on the intestinal wall lining become inflamed. A 3-ounce serving of roasted chestnuts contains 4 grams of fiber. Nuts have predominately insoluble fiber.

Stable Energy Levels

Most nuts are low in carbohydrates, which is why they often are part of low-carb diet plans. Chestnuts, however, have a high amount of carbs.

They contain 45 grams per 3-ounce serving. Carbs are needed for short- and long-term energy, and they help with nervous system function. The carbs that come from chestnuts are complex. Unlike simple carbs, complex carbs are digested slowly, which gives you even energy levels. Simple carbs tend to give you a fast spike of energy followed by a fast dip.

Improved Brain Function

The fat-soluble B vitamins help produce red blood cells, break down protein, carbs and fats for energy, promote healthy skin and enhance brain function. Chestnuts have a generous blend of B vitamins in moderately high amounts. A 3-ounce serving contains 21 percent of the recommended daily value of B-6, 15 percent of folate, 14 percent of thiamine and 9 percent of riboflavin. Eat roasted chestnuts as appetizers with a leafy green salad and lean meat for a vitamin B-packed meal.

Disease Risk Reduction

Chestnuts have a high content of the trace mineral manganese -- an antioxidant, which soaks up free radicals in the system and reduces the risk for cancer and heart disease. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, manganese also plays a key role in the aging process. A 3-ouce serving of chestnuts contains just over 1 microgram of manganese, which is 50 percent of the recommended daily intake. Manganese also helps with connective-tissue production and blood clotting. Add chopped chestnuts to a bowl of oatmeal for a manganese-packed breakfast.