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Seasonal eating has so many benefits for yourself and the environment. With that said, I realize it might be challenging to come up with new recipes for seasonal produce that your family will love. This is why I’d like to give you some inspiration in this article that you can try or adjust to your taste. Below are 10 recipes using fall vegetables and fruits.
However, before we jump into the recipes, it is important to acknowledge that I live in the midwest of the United States. Therefore, what is considered in season for me may not be what is in season for you. To learn what is in season where you live, I recommend using this website if you are a US-based reader. Below are some of the most popular fall vegetables and fruits between September and November.
Fall vegetables and fruits
- Apples
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cantelope
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celeri
- Grapes
- Green beans
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Oregano
- Parsnips
- Pears
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Radicchio
- Radishes
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Spinach
- Summer squash
- Thyme
- Turnips
- Watermelon
- Winter squash
- Zucchini
Favorite fall recipes
1. Rustic leeks and potatoes soup
I love soups during the fall. There are so many good options. This leek and potato soup combine seasonality and coziness. You can serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or simply some warm bread for a filling dinner.
2. Stuffed cabbage rolls
This recipe reminds me of my childhood. My mom made this several times each fall, and this was always one of my favorite meals. She would serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. To combine another seasonal fall vegetable, you could mashed potatoes and turnips together, which would be delicious.
3- Shaved Brussel sprouts salad
Try this unique salad as a side dish this fall. It pairs the Brussel sprouts with bacon, parmesan, and toasted walnuts. If your family has nut allergies like mine, you could use pumpkin seeds instead. This would be a delicious meal served with grilled chicken or balsamic salmon.
4- Zucchini bread overnight oats
This is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy fall breakfast. The oats are a great complex carbohydrate that, if paired with protein and healthy fat, can keep you satiated for several hours. You can stick to adding the chopped walnuts as the recipe recommends. Or, you can use a different nut or seed, or even add a spoonful of nut or seed butter.
5- Silky cauliflower and apple soup
Yes, another soup. Have you ever thought of adding apples to a soup? If you have not tried this before, please do so. You will not be disappointed. My favorite pairing is with a gouda cheese grilled cheese.
6- Pumpkin mac n’ cheese
Most people like mac n’cheese but let’s admit it, plain mac n’cheese doesn’t have a ton of nutritional value. With this variation, you incorporate pumpkin pureed adding flavor and vitamins. I also like to add steamed broccoli, diced tomatoes, or chopped spinach.
Because I don’t digest dairy very well, here is a vegan variation that I like as well.
7- Instant pot beef stew
This amazing beef stew recipe tastes as if you have been simmering it all day. But as you can guess, it can be ready in a short time with your instant pot. The meat is extra tender, and the recipe is filled with fall vegetables. I like to make fresh artisan bread to serve with this meal on days when the weather is cooler.
8- Butternut squash and cranberry quinoa salad
I love this salad and make it often for myself during fall. I also have brought it several times as a side dish when going to a dinner party. When I have it at home, I sometimes will add cooked chicken to it so that it is more filling. In those instances, I eat it as my main meal. This would make a terrific Thanksgiving side dish.
Note: I have also added beets to this recipe before which was delicious.
9- Creamy garlic pork and spinach
This is an amazing fall meal that will leave you feeling like you just had an indulgent dinner. However, it is healthy and full of nutrients. We like to serve this over rice, quinoa, or pasta with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
10- Creamy turkey wild rice soup
Here is one final soup recipe for you to try this fall. This recipe has tons of healthy and yummy fall vegetables. Beware that it makes 10 servings. Depending on the size of your family, you may want to cut it in half. I have not tried freezing it, but that might be an option as well.
In conclusion…
Fall is my favorite cooking season. I love every single fall vegetables and fruit and I always look forward to returning to some of our favorites when September arrives. I hope this article gave you inspiration and new ideas to try this fall.
Let me know what your favorite fall recipes are.
Bon apetit!
Cat xx