Roasted chestnuts

If you were to ask any Turk what dish perfectly captures the spirit of winter, he or she would undoubtedly name hot roasted chestnuts. It's not just a food, it's a true tradition that unites generations.

With the onset of winter, fresh chestnuts appear in bazaars and stores throughout Turkey. They are carefully cut and roasted on the stove or in the oven so that the skin comes off easily and the flesh remains soft and flavorful. In villages, they are still cooked on wood stoves, which adds a special atmosphere of warmth and coziness.

But perhaps the most memorable chestnuts are those sold directly on the streets. In winter, small mobile kiosks with roasters appear in every corner of the city. Walking down the street, smelling that sweet-smoky aroma, it's impossible not to stop. A warm paper bag of chestnuts in your hands, snow under your feet, and inside - the very taste of winter.

Roasted chestnuts are the perfect snack: delicious, hearty and homemade. Try making them at home: cut the skin crosswise, place the chestnuts on a dry pan or baking tray and roast until golden.