Chestnut puree

Chestnut puree: a delight that brings the flavors of autumn to your plate

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Steaming time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Discover how to transform boiled chestnuts into a delicious puree, perfect for enjoying on its own or using in various dessert recipes. This chestnut puree is an excellent choice for a quick dessert or a base for sophisticated cakes. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients:
- 400g boiled and peeled chestnuts
- 1 and a half cups of milk
- ¼ cup of sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A splash of rum (optional)

Step 1: Preparing the chestnuts
Make sure you have boiled and peeled chestnuts. If using fresh chestnuts, boil them for about 30 minutes, then remove the shell and inner skin. Boiled chestnuts can be used immediately or frozen for winter enjoyment.

Step 2: Steaming
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Choose a glass or stainless-steel dish suitable for steaming and place it above the pot. Add the boiled chestnuts, milk, and sugar to the steaming dish. Cover the dish with a lid and let it steam for an hour. Remember to check the water level occasionally and, if necessary, add hot water to maintain the steam.

Step 3: Mixing the puree
After an hour, remove the lid and drain any excess milk, but keep it, as you will use it to adjust the puree's texture. Add the vanilla extract for extra flavor. Use a mixer or whisk to turn the chestnuts into puree, gradually adding a tablespoon of the reserved milk until you achieve the desired consistency. If you want a creamier puree, add more milk.

Step 4: Cooling and serving
Once you have the desired puree, let it cool to room temperature. You can use it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later. If you prefer a firmer puree, you can grate it and serve it with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, creating an elegant dessert.

Serving suggestions:
For a personal touch, you can add some chopped nuts on top of the puree or mix in a teaspoon of rum for a unique flavor. Chestnut puree pairs wonderfully with pancakes or as a filling for cakes.

Healthy option: Substitute sugar with honey or a natural sweetener to create a lower-calorie, yet equally delicious puree.

This chestnut puree is not only a simple and quick dessert but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different servings and ingredients. Enjoy it with family or use it to impress at a party!