As the cool embrace of autumn settles in, it’s the perfect time to refresh our meals with comforting yet healthy dishes that highlight the season’s produce. The shift to cooler weather often stirs a craving for hearty, warming foods, and you can satisfy these cravings with nutritious ingredients that are at their peek during fall.
Here’s a look at three easy-to-prepare recipes that make the most of autumn’s offerings, providing both comfort and nourishment.
1. Roasted Vegetable Medley
Ingredients:
- Assorted autumn vegetables (such as carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes and beets), peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs like rosemary and thyme for added flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Toss the cubed vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs until well-coated.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and have caramelized edges.
- Serve warm as a side dish or a main course with quinoa or another grain.
This simple dish not only fills your kitchen with aromatic scents but also delivers a nutritional punch with fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
2. Spiced Lentil Stew
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. curry powder
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and garlic, sauté until they are soft and translucent.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking until they begin to soften.
- Add the lentils, cumin, curry powder smoked paprika, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting spices to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of yogurt or chopped fresh herbs if desired.
This hearty stew is rich in proteins and spices, making it a perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
3. Pear and Arugula Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe pears, sliced
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a dry pan, lightly toast the walnuts until golden and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, sliced pears, toasted walnuts and cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
This salad offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with the crunch of walnuts and the peppery bite of arugula, making it a refreshing side or a light main dish.
These recipes not only bring the best of autumn’s flavors to your table but also incorporate ingredients that boost health and wellness. Enjoying seasonal produce in these comforting forms is an excellent way to maintain a balanced diet while indulging in the coziness of fall cooking.
Try these posts for more fall recipes:
