Sweet Chestnut Candies (Gungjung Bbatang)
Delicious Snack: Glazed Chestnuts (Al-bam Matang)
Introducing ‘Al-bam Matang’, a delightful snack made with fresh chestnuts. This recipe features a perfect balance of sweetness and crispiness, making it easy for anyone to follow. It’s a wonderful treat for kids’ snacks or a delightful accompaniment to a cold beer for adults.
Main Ingredients- 30 whole chestnuts
Syrup Ingredients- 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the chestnuts. Select firm, plump chestnuts and peel their shells. Rinse them thoroughly under running water. Then, carefully pat them dry with a kitchen towel. This step is crucial to prevent excess moisture from causing splattering during air frying and to achieve a crispier texture.
Step 2
Next, we’ll coat the chestnuts with oil. If you don’t have a spray bottle, use a pastry brush to lightly coat the surface of each chestnut with grapeseed oil (or your preferred cooking oil). This prevents the chestnuts from sticking to the air fryer basket and adds a subtle richness to their texture.
Step 3
Place the oiled chestnuts in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for a total of 15 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully open the basket and flip the chestnuts. Continue air frying for the remaining 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
Step 4
Once removed from the air fryer, the chestnuts should be beautifully golden brown and cooked through. You’ll already notice a lovely, nutty aroma filling your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come. While they are tasty as they are, coating them in a sweet syrup transforms them into a truly special treat.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the delicious syrup. In a pan, combine 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp corn syrup. Place the pan over very low heat. Allow the sugar to melt completely, forming a syrup, without stirring. It’s important not to stir at this stage to prevent the sugar from crystallizing or burning.
Step 6
Once the syrup has thickened, add the air-fried chestnuts to the pan. Using a spatula or chopsticks, quickly toss and stir the chestnuts to coat them evenly with the warm syrup. The key is to mix them rapidly (‘shake, shake!’) to ensure each chestnut is beautifully glazed.
Step 7
Voila! Your delicious glazed chestnuts, or ‘Al-bam Matang’, are ready. They have a beautiful glossy sheen. While delicious served warm, allowing them to cool slightly will result in a delightful contrast between a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, sweet interior. Enjoy this wonderful chestnut treat!
