noun
dried chestnut
Chestnuts that have been dried and pounded to remove the shell and inner skin. Traditionally associated with good luck and victory because of the wordplay with 勝ち (victory). Often eaten at celebratory occasions.
お正月に勝ち栗を食べると縁起がいいと言われています。
It is said that eating dried chestnuts at New Year's brings good luck.
祖母が勝ち栗を作ってくれた。
My grandmother made dried chestnuts for me.
From 搗ち栗 (kachiguri), literally 'pounded chestnut'. The spelling 勝ち栗 is an ateji (当て字) using 勝ち (victory) for its auspicious sound, making it a lucky food.