This season, you have a crazy desire to cook chestnuts? Follow the recipes of Alexandra Murcier, dietician-nutritionist, to treat yourself while enjoying their benefits.

In a velouté, puree, soufflé or simply grilled... In all their forms, chestnuts are delicious as can be. In sweet or savory versions, these autumn fruits bring a comforting and gourmet touch to many recipes. But to cook them to perfection and master their cooking, you still need to know how to prepare them. Alexandra Murcier, dietician-nutritionist, shares her best recipes.

Chestnuts: what are the health benefits?

Chestnuts are rich in complex carbohydrates (slow sugars), which makes them an ideal fruit for athletes or anyone looking to maintain stable energy throughout the day.

They also contain less fat than most nuts , which makes them better for your figure and health.

Rich in fiber , chestnuts improve digestion and help prevent constipation . They also promote the feeling of satiety , which helps regulate appetite.

Finally, chestnuts provide many vitamins on a daily basis, such as:

• Vitamin C and polyphenols : Chestnuts, rich in antioxidants , strengthen immunity and protect skin cells from the effects of free radicals;

• B vitamins ( B1, B2, B6): They are essential for energy and the proper functioning of the nervous system;

• Potassium : Present in significant quantities in chestnuts, it helps regulate blood pressure and water balance ;

• Magnesium : It promotes muscle relaxation and reduces stress.

Last but not least quality: Chestnuts and their flour are naturally gluten-free , which makes them an ideal alternative for people with celiac disease and/or gluten sensitivity.

The best recipes from our expert

Alexandra Murcier, dietician-nutritionist, reveals five recipes that she particularly likes this season.

• A chestnut-based velouté : " all you need to do is mix previously cooked chestnuts, liquid cream, onion, olive oil, salt and pepper ," she explains.

• A chestnut and mushroom risotto : “ Made with risotto rice, chestnuts, mushrooms (your choice), onion and vegetable broth ,” explains the nutritionist.

• As an accompaniment, you can make a pan-fried chestnut and butternut squash . " With a little olive oil to cook it, this pan-fried dish goes very well with white fish, for example ," the expert acknowledges.

• Chestnut flour : “ It can be used as a gluten-free alternative for making pancakes and cakes ,” assures the specialist.

• Finally, a more original recipe: " you can make a chestnut tiramisu, reducing the amount of sugar in the recipes on the Internet by 50%. For this you will need chestnuts, mascarpone, eggs, ladyfingers, sugar and chocolate powder ", concludes the dietician.