How to cook chestnuts? How long does it take to cook

Chestnuts usually need to be cooked for 20-30 minutes, depending on their size and cooking method.

Boil raw chestnuts with shells directly in water. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to medium low heat for 25-30 minutes. Using a knife to make a cross cut on the shell can shorten the cooking time to 20 minutes. After cooking with a pressure cooker, press for 8-10 minutes to better preserve the sweet and glutinous taste. Reduce the boiling time of shelled chestnut kernels to 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to use cold water to avoid overcooking the outer layer and undercooking the inner layer. The cooking mode of the electric rice cooker takes about 30 minutes, and the amount of water needs to be less than two knuckles of the chestnut. Microwave the chestnut with shell on high heat for 3 minutes each time, repeating 2-3 times, flipping it in the middle to prevent it from drying out.

To determine whether the chestnut is cooked, observe the natural cracking of the shell, and use chopsticks to easily penetrate the inner layer. Undercooked chestnuts have a hard texture and a noticeable starch sensation, while fully cooked chestnuts have golden kernels and a powdery texture. A small amount of salt or sugar can be added to enhance the flavor during the cooking process, but it may slightly prolong the cooking time. Using old chestnuts requires extending the cooking time by about 5 minutes, while fresh chestnuts are easier to cook through. After cooking, simmering for 5 minutes can make chestnuts easier to peel, and rapid cooling with supercooled water can also help separate the shell and meat.

It is recommended to consume the cooked chestnuts on the same day and store them in refrigeration for no more than 3 days. When consumed again, they can be steamed to restore their taste. Chestnut is rich in B vitamins and dietary fiber, but its starch content is high. diabetes patients should control their intake. Cooking with yam and red dates can enhance the spleen strengthening effect, and stewing with chicken soup can nourish the middle and qi. When consuming, pay attention to thoroughly peeling off the inner membrane to avoid accidentally eating spoiled and moldy chestnuts. Children and elderly people are advised to press chestnuts into a paste for consumption to prevent coughing or indigestion.