Recipe of the week: the #chestnut pie [RECIPE]

Chestnut is a beloved fruit all over Italy, and especially in Piedmont and in the province of Cuneo. 

The typical chestnut of Cuneo (castagna di Cuneo) is a certified PGI product from 2007: its  many species are grown in 110 municipalities in the province of Cuneo. 

The perfect location where the chestnut of Cuneo grows is sunny and sheltered from the wind. 

The chestnuts are harvested from the beginning of September until November. 

The chestnut of Cuneo can be enjoyed in many different ways: on its own or as the main ingredient of delicious recipes. Its taste is sweet and delicate.

The chestnut pie comes from an ancient tradition: although it can be made all year round, it is a typical Easter dessert in the region Piedmont. 

Here is our suggested recipe.

Ingredients (serves about 6/8 people)

500 g dried chestnuts of Cuneo

300 g sugar

80 g butter

200 g sweetened cocoa powder

1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

100 g soft amaretti

200 g dried amaretti

5 eggs

2.5 dl rhum

1 dl maraschino

1 dl alchermes liqueur 

a pinch of salt

Method

In a large pot, boil the chestnuts in plenty of salted water for at least 3 hours. Once cooked, 

finely mince them.

Finely mince both kinds of amaretti. Melt the butter on low heat.

In a large bowl, mix the minced chestnuts with sugar, sweetened and unsweetened cocoa 

powder, the amaretti, the melted butter, the eggs, the liqueurs and a pinch of salt. Stir well to 

combine all the ingredients, and until you get a smooth and creamy mixture.

Grease a baking tray with butter and cover its surface with some flower. Pour the mixture into the baking tray (it should be about 4-5 cm high). 

Cook the pie in pre-heated oven at 150°C for about an hour. 

When the pie is ready, take it out of the oven and carefully turn it upside down on a dish. Then  put it back into the baking tray but upside down. Cover with aluminium foil and let it cool  down. 

Once the pie has cooled down, serve it with some melted dark chocolate on top. Delicious!