Inspired by the Japanese kuri gohan, the beauty of this side dish is its simplicity, highlighting the seasonal delight that is freshly roasted chestnuts. Harmonizing with the naturally nutty flavor of brown rice, those toothsome grains cling to each tender morsel for an incredibly satisfying bite. Though chestnuts are sadly hard to come by when winter ends, you’ll find yourself craving this combination all year long.
Chestnut Rice

Inspired by the Japanese kuri gohan, the beauty of this side dish is its simplicity, highlighting the seasonal delight that is freshly roasted chestnuts. Harmonizing with the naturally nutty flavor of brown rice, those toothsome grains cling to each tender morsel for an incredibly satisfying bite.
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Short Grain Brown Rice
- 2 1/2 Cups Water
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Cup Roughly Chopped, Roasted and Shelled Chestnuts (About 20)
- 2 Tablespoons Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Toasted Black Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- My favorite way to prepare this dish is in an electric pressure
cooker since it’s so crazy fast, but it can just as easily be made on
the stove top. If working with a pressure cooker, simply toss in the
rice, water, salt, chopped chestnuts, and butter or oil. Lock in the lid
and set it to 20 minutes on high pressure. Once that time has elapsed,
quick release by opening up the valve to immediately discharge the built
up pressure. Stand back and cover with a dish towel to prevent any
spray or steam burns. Let the rice stand for 5 more minutes before
uncovering. - For stove top prep, combine the water, salt, and butter or oil in a
medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the rice and
chestnuts, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer gently for 45 to 50
minutes, until the liquid has fully absorbed. Let stand for 5 more
minutes. - Top with sesame seeds right before serving.
Notes
Cooked rice will keep in the fridge for 5 - 7 days.
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-
Simply Organic Certified Black Whole Sesame Seed, 3.28 oz
-
Lundberg Family Farms, Rice Brown Short Grain Organic, 32 Ounce
-
Galil Organic Roasted Chestnuts - 3.5 Oz Bags (Pack Of 3) - Shelled - Ready To Eat Snack, Gluten Free, All Natural, No Preservatives - Great for Snacking, Baking & Cooking - 100% Vegan
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 253Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 318mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g
All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimates.
Beautiful rice dish ! Nice idea to use chest nuts in here !!
[…] via Treasure Chestnuts — BitterSweet […]
Steve and I just finished binge watching Kantaro on Netflix. It’s a Japanese show about Japanese sweets and it reignited my need for chestnuts. Perfectly placed recipe Ms Hannah ;)
I haven’t been a huge fan of chestnuts (haven’t really had them often or even recently), but perhaps I should give them another try.
janet
I am very excited about this recipe! I have been seeing chestnuts in the store and have had an inkling to use them, but no idea how or for what…until now!
I love roast chestnuts, and have not eaten them like this before Hannah Thank you for that recipe, looks Good :-) Happy New Year my friend.. :-) xxx
Thanks for this great idea to make chestnut rice in a pressure cooker. I haven’t thought of this way, such a clever way to save time. :)
I use chestnuts too seldom. This sounds good, so will give it a try:)
This sounds comforting and delicious, but every time I see ‘roasted chestnuts’ in a recipe I remember the time my mother tried to cook chestnuts in a pot on the stove, and didn’t know about cutting a little x into each one to let the steam escape. It wasn’t long before they began exploding like gunfire, and we, not realizing at first what was happening, ran for cover under the table.
Oh my goodness, that would certainly leave a lasting impression! After all that, I wouldn’t blame you if the mere mention of chestnuts sent you running for the hills.
Yum! This is an ultimate snack and a great healthy choice, Hannah! Thanks for the idea! ;)
This looks so simple and delicious, I am a fan of just about any rice dish. Thanks!
Chestnuts always remind me of September when we prepare chestnut desserts here in Croatia, have to give this rice a try!
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