CookTheGreekWay

If there’s a flavor that smells like mountains, fireplaces and crisp winter air, it’s chestnut. In the old mountain villages of Evrytania, Pelion and Macedonia, women would boil freshly gathered chestnuts and turn them into a silky, rustic chestnut purée – simple, nourishing and deeply comforting.

Today, this traditional delicacy makes the perfect holiday food gift for friends who love authentic flavors, or simply a beautiful spread for a cozy winter breakfast.

Let’s bring this village sweetness back to life — exactly as it was made from generation to generation.

Chestnut Jam – Traditional Chestnut Purée

Ingredients

• 1 kg chestnuts
• 700 g sugar (traditionally they used a bit less because chestnuts are naturally sweet)
• 1 liter water
• 1 vanilla pod or 1 sprig of rose geranium
• Juice of ½ lemon

Method

1. Boiling & Peeling

Score the chestnuts and boil them with their skins on for 10 minutes.
Peel them thoroughly, removing both the outer and inner skins.

2. Softening

Place the peeled chestnuts in fresh water and boil again until completely soft.
Mash with a fork or press through a sieve — just like the grandmothers did before mixers existed.

3. Making the Syrup

In a pot, make a syrup using the sugar and water.
Once it thickens slightly, add the chestnut purée.

4. Thickening the Jam

Stir gently with a wooden spoon until it becomes a smooth, thick cream.
Add the vanilla (or rose geranium) and finally the lemon juice.

5. Storing

Fill sterilized jars, seal well and store in a cool place.

Result: A rustic, wintry, energy-rich spread that pairs beautifully with bread, yogurt, oatmeal, cakes—or even chocolate.

Tips for the Perfect Chestnut Jam

• Sterilization: Heat jars in the oven at 110°C for 10 minutes.
• Texture: For an ultra-smooth result, blend with an immersion blender.
• Less sugar: You may reduce to 500–550 g, but shelf life will shorten.
• Extra aromas: Cinnamon, orange zest or a splash of rum complement chestnuts wonderfully.

Gift-ready idea: Add a small wooden spoon + ribbon + handwritten tag.

Nutritional Information (per tbsp / ~20g)

Calories: ~55 kcal

Carbohydrates: 13–14 g

Fiber: 1 g

Protein: 0.3 g

Fat: 0.2 g

Natural sugars from chestnuts + added sugar

Rich in: Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamin C, B Vitamins

Chestnuts are one of the most nutritious nuts — energy-rich but naturally low in fat.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does chestnut jam keep?

In sterilized jars, in a cool place: 6–8 months.
After opening: refrigerate and consume within 3–4 weeks.

2. Can I make it without sugar?

Yes, but you’ll need a sweetener and refrigeration, and consume within 10–14 days.

3. What if my jam becomes too thick?

Add a little water and warm it gently to loosen the texture.

4. How do I know it’s properly thickened?

When you run a spoon through it and the “path” closes slowly.

5. Is this recipe vegan?

Yes — it’s completely vegan.