Chestnuts, the symbol of autumn, are the protagonists of many traditions in the Oltrepò Pavese area, where their harvest becomes a festive occasion. Versatile and nutritious, they are the ideal ingredient to enrich sweet and savoury recipes that warm up the cool autumn days. Let‘s discover together some preparations with this extraordinary fruit!
With the arrival of autumn, the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese area are tinged with the warm colours of the season, and chestnuts, the symbolic fruit of this season, sprout in the woods. The chestnut harvest is an ancient tradition that unites families in the area and celebrates the bond with nature. It is not only an agricultural activity, but also a moment of celebration, shared between generations. In this period, local festivals and events pay homage to chestnuts, offering a variety of typical and tasty dishes, where this fruit becomes the undisputed protagonist.
Chestnuts are not only tasty, but extremely versatile in the kitchen. Besides being a delicious fruit to enjoy on its own, they can enrich numerous recipes, both sweet and savoury, that enhance the unique flavour of this autumn fruit. Here are some recipes with chestnuts, perfect for welcoming autumn with gusto.
Hot roasted chestnuts
Chestnuts are undoubtedly the symbol par excellence of autumn. Chestnuts are cooked slowly over the fire in a perforated pan, and their unmistakable aroma invades homes and squares during festivals. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they are a perfect snack to share on autumn evenings.
Baked chestnuts
An equally tasty alternative to roasted chestnuts are baked chestnuts. After carving them, they are baked in the oven for about 20-30 minutes. Easy to peel, these chestnuts are soft and sweet, ideal for those who prefer a simpler, homemade cooking method than the traditional frying pan.
Chestnut and chocolate tart
For those with a sweet tooth, chestnut and chocolate tart is a real autumn treat. The crumbly base of the tart holds a creamy filling of chestnut puree and dark chocolate. The contrast between the crispness of the pastry and the softness of the filling makes this dessert irresistible and perfect to end an autumn lunch on a sweet note.
Chickpea and chestnut soup
A rich and nutritious dish is chickpea and chestnut soup, perfect for warming up the coldest days. This traditional country dish combines the sweetness of chestnuts with the rustic flavour of chickpeas, creating a comfort food with an old-fashioned flavour that pampers and satiates with simplicity.
Autumn in the Oltrepò is a special season, and chestnuts are its soul. Whether it is a walk in the woods to gather them or a village festival, this fruit is always the protagonist, the symbol of a tradition that is renewed year after year, bringing to the table flavours and aromas that warm the heart.
