Counter to popular Christmas songs, chestnuts are not a seasonal exclusive.
They are a great addition to many sweet treats, from cookies to loaf bakes, bringing a unique sweet-nutty flavour. Many savoury meals also benefit from the addition of their buttery, creamy texture.
Not everyone will have a supply of chestnuts hidden in the back of their pantry and they are an ingredient whose prices can sky-rocket come winter. So, what substitutes for chestnuts are there?
Our 4 Substitutes for Chestnuts
Chestnuts are praised for their unique texture and flavour which should be mimicked in their substitutes. Here are our top 4 ingredients that can perfectly provide everything there is to love about chestnuts:
1) Jackfruit Seeds
If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, then you may already be familiar with the exotic jackfruit. Its thick, meaty texture is a great protein substitute and the fruit itself is assessable in the western world.
As popular as jackfruit may have become in recent years, too many people bypass the nutrient-rich seeds which act as a great substitute for chestnuts.
Jackfruit seeds tend to taste sweeter than chestnuts but produce a more discreet flavour in a dish, making them the perfect dessert ingredient. Though they can also be just as good a replacement in savoury dishes.
Perhaps the most common reason to favour jackfruit seeds is the fact that they are not a nut at all. Jackfruit derives from the fig family and the seeds that they carry are safe for anyone with a nut allergy to consume.
To ensure that the jackfruit seed’s flavour is evident in your dish, use 2 cups for every 1 cup of chestnuts required.
Ensure that you boil the seeds in water for at least 20 minutes and dispose of the inedible white outer layer of the seed before you add them to your recipe.
Double Up on Jackfruit Seeds
Use double the quantity of jackfruit seeds to chestnuts. The flavour of jackfruit seeds is a little more subtle.
2) Macadamia Nuts
Despite being the fanciest alternative on this list, macadamia nuts are easy to find and are a popular luxury in both baking and healthy living circles.
Roasted macadamia nuts are more accessible than raw ones, which shouldn’t be seen as a fault but rather a huge time saver. Simply chop up the roasted nuts and add them to your recipe.
Macadamia nuts carry the same texture qualities as chestnuts making them a technically great alternative. Their high-fat concertation makes for the perfect soup or puree thickener.
However, be careful when measuring out this alternative. The nutty flavour profile of a macadamia nut is considerably richer compared to that of a chestnut.
Consider Quantities Carefully
If your intent is to have a strong, nutty flavoured dish then, by all means, measure out as much macadamia nuts as you wish. If not, then half the required amount of nuts the recipe required for a balanced alternative.
3) Hazelnuts
Everybody loves a good hazelnut-flavoured dish (especially when that dish is on the sweeter side and involves chocolate), so why not use this beloved nut as your chestnut replacement?
Unlike chestnuts, hazelnuts are available all year round for a very affordable price and are carried by most supermarkets.
There is also no denying the health qualities that hazelnuts carry. From their high levels of vitamin E to their antioxidants, these nuts are the perfect healthy alternative. Even more so considering their substantial levels of protein.
As far as taste and texture go, hazelnuts perfectly mimic the earthy flavour that makes chestnuts such a desirable ingredient.
The only noticeable difference is the crunchy aspect of hazelnuts which limits their uses in purees, soups, and other smoother dishes. But in stuffing, desserts and as a roasted treat, hazelnuts are ideal.
Hazelnuts are an Exact Swap
You can simply use 1 cup of hazelnuts for every 1 cup of chestnuts in your recipe.
4) Pecans
Much like hazelnuts, the difference between chestnuts and pecans is almost indistinguishable.
Peans tend to be the most affordable alternative whenever a recipe calls for chestnuts yet offer health benefits that chestnuts lack. With pecans, you can get 10% of your daily fibre intake with just one serving.
Considering that for every 1 cup of chestnuts you need to replace it with 2 cups of whole pecans, it may be wiser to choose pecans if your intent is to make a large portion of a chestnut-focussed dish.
They are an alternative that is incredibly easy to find and won’t drain your wallet.
Roast for Maximum Flavour
The best way to prepare and get the maximum flavour out of pecans is to roast them on high heat, cooking the pecans for 10-12 minutes before adding them to your dish.
Other Substitutes for Chestnuts
While the above substitutes for chestnuts are the most popular, accessible to most people, there are a handful of ingredients that you can use to replace chestnuts on specific occasions.
- Purple Sweet Potatoes – An instant safe option for anyone with a nut allergy, purple sweet potatoes are great for replacing jarred chestnuts. When cooked, they add a creamy texture to any baked dish and can act as a thickener for soups or purees while still holding that nutty, sweet flavour of jarred chestnuts.
- Chestnut Flour –When baking bread or cakes, chestnut flour is perfect. Considering that the chestnut in chestnut flour is first dried then ground, the flour will already add a rich nutty flavour to your recipe once baked. So, keep this in mind if you are wanting to avoid an overpowering flavour.
Summary
Really, you can choose any of the substitutions on this list and still get that desired earthy nuttiness offered by chestnuts.
Though if you are more interested in an affordable version of a chestnut that still makes for a creamy addition to your recipe then stick with hazelnuts.