Looking for cheering up the fall or just found some chestnut flour in the pantry? Let’s make a naturally gluten free chestnut bread!
Chestnut bread has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans. In the Middle Ages, chestnut bread was a staple food for peasants due to its affordability and abundance. It was often eaten with cheese, vegetables, and other simple ingredients.
As chestnuts became less common in Europe, so did chestnut bread. However, in the 20th century, chestnut bread experienced a resurgence in popularity as people began to seek out more rustic, earthy breads with a nutty, aromatic flavor. Today, chestnut bread can be found in many French and Italian bakeries, and it is often used in traditional dishes such as stuffing, panzanella, and bread pudding.
One of the most famous proponents of chestnut bread was the French writer and philosopher Albert Camus. Camus was a lover of rustic, simple foods, and he often spoke about the importance of preserving culinary traditions. In his novel “The Plague,” he writes about the joy of eating chestnut bread, describing its nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
How did chestnut bread become popular again in the 20th century?
Chestnut flour is naturally gluten-free, making it a popular choice for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. It is also lower in carbohydrates than wheat flour, making it a healthier choice for many people. In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in gluten-free baking, and chestnut flour has become a staple ingredient in many gluten-free bread recipes.
Chestnut bread is also a nutritious choice, as it is high in fiber and vitamins such as vitamin C and potassium. It is often eaten in the autumn and winter months when chestnuts are in season, adding to its seasonal appeal.
What are the nutritional benefits of chestnut bread?
While chestnut bread can be made with added sugars, there are also many sugar-free versions available. These versions are often made with natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup, or they may be unsweetened altogether. This makes chestnut bread a healthier choice for people who are trying to reduce their sugar intake.
Chestnut bread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. It pairs well with cheeses, meats, and vegetables, and it can also be used in desserts such as cakes and puddings. Its unique flavor and texture make it a popular choice for home bakers and professional chefs alike.
What are some creative ways to use chestnut bread in cooking and baking?
In conclusion, chestnut bread has a rich history and a unique flavor that make it a beloved ingredient in many culinary traditions. Its nutty, earthy flavor and gluten-free properties make it a popular choice for people with dietary restrictions or those seeking healthier alternatives to traditional bread. Whether eaten as a standalone bread or used in cooking and baking, chestnut bread is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that is sure to delight any food lover.
Ingredients
- 3 Eggs (separated)
- 1 Ripe banana or one tablespoon of sweetener of choice
- ¼ cup / 30g Flax seed (ground)
- ⅓ cup / 70g Chestnut flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
Kitchen utensils
- 8½” x 3″ / 22cm x 7.5cm Loaf pan
How to make Chestnut bread
- Break and separate eggs.
- Put egg whites into a mixing ball and whisk until hard peaks form.
- Pour yolks into the mixing bowl slowly one by one whilst whisking vigorously.
- Peel banana and place it in a bowl then squash it with a fork.
- Measure and grind flax seed. Mix dry ingredients, flax seed flour, chestnut flour and baking powder in a medium size bowl.
- Fold dry ingredients and squashed banana alternately into the egg mixture.
- Pour batter into a loaf baking form and put it into the 350ºF / 180ºC preheated oven.
- Bake it for 45 minutes. Check it with a toothpick if it’s baked properly. (Stick toothpick into the bread if it comes out clean it is ready. If not, leave it for another 5-10 minutes. Wait at least 10 minutes before slicing it up.
Enjoy!
- Add an extra twist to it and serve it with mango ice-cream.
What’s the difference between a banana bread and a pound cake? Let’s taste it out:
- Lemon Pound Cake Recipe
- Keto Pound Cake Recipe
- Almond Flour Banana Bread
- Chocolate Banana Bread Recipe [Sugar Free]
FitttZee
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Exquisite Chestnut Bread Recipe
Equipment
- 8½" x 3" / 22cm x 7.5cm Loaf pan
Ingredients
- 3 Eggs separated
- 1 Ripe banana or one tablespoon of sweetener of choice
- ¼ cup Flax seed ground
- ⅓ cup Chestnut flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
Instructions
- Break and separate eggs. Put yolks aside into a glass or cup for later.
- Put egg whites into a mixing ball and whisk until hard peaks form.
- Pour yolks into the mixing bowl slowly one by one whilst whisking vigorously.
- Peel banana and place it in a bowl then squash it with a fork.
- Measure and grind flax seed. Mix dry ingredients, flax seed flour, chestnut flour and baking powder in a medium size bowl.
- Fold dry ingredients and squashed banana alternately into the egg mixture.
- Pour batter into a loaf baking form and put it into the 350ºF / 180ºC preheated oven.
- Bake it for 45 minutes. Check it with a toothpick if it's baked properly. (Stick toothpick into the bread if it comes out clean it is ready. If not, leave it for another 5-10 minutes. Wait at least 10 minutes before slicing it up.
Notes
Pin now, Enjoy later!
I want and need to try chestnut flour so badly, I love chestnuts so so so much that this is a MUST!
Hi Gigi, Yes, we love chestnuts too! I can’t wait for the winters to come and have some roasted ones from the street!
Chestnut is my favorite! This bread is awesome!
I was looking for a chestnut flour recipe to try. This looks good but I’m confused about it being labaled as low carb since chestnut is a high carb nut comparable to grain in its carb content, at least that is my understanding.
Many thanks for bringing that to our attention! Chestnut bread recipe is one of our oldest recipe and it seems badly needed an overhaul. The label ‘low carb’ merely referred to the chestnut bread not containing added refined sugar as most of the recipes did at the time. It’s been corrected.
The recipe card has also been checked and a metric switcher with serving size selector were added to it along with the macro data for 1 serving. Now you know roughly how much carbs, protein or calories are in one slice.
Thanks again!
I love this recipe! Thank you! One question, can it be doubled? Thank you, Susie
I have made this recipe four times now. It is delicious toasted and lends itself well to a dab of cream cheese and apricot jam
on occasion. Thank again, definitely a five star rating in my opinion!
Thrilled to hear you like it! x x x
It can be doubled sure but it may going to be a bit denser. The baking time may be affected slightly too but not by much.
Many thanks for your reply Edi! I will try it and see how it works. I am at higher altitude 4500 ft. Susie
Higher altitudes may affect baking times and temperatures but if you’ve pulled this off four times it will be a piece of cake 😀 Do get back to us and tell us how it has gone! x x x