The fall season has such delightful weather, traditions and foods. I’m not much of a pumpkin fan, but I do enjoy many other fall treats. Here are some ideas for meals to enjoy when the leaves fall and everything turns golden-brown.
Sunday family roasts
Gather with your loved ones and serve up a hearty meal full of warmth and love. You can roast chicken, beef, lamb, or veggies. It doesn’t matter. Any of these roasted meats pair well with mac and cheese, green bean casserole and, of course, potatoes in any form. All are brought together by a traditional gravy recipe.
Here’s an example of a roast recipe:
Hearty and steamy stews
Autumn and winter are undoubtedly the time for making stews. Stews are often snubbed or underrated, but they are nutritious and tasty. My personal favorite is a vegetable stew, but you could also use your favorite type of meat.
This is an example of a recipe I found on Pinterest:
Soups
Is there anything more heartwarming than a hot soup on a cold and rainy day? Here are some ideas:
- Cream of tomato soup with chili flakes and pepper.
- A warming red bean soup with Cajun spices.
- Traditional carrot and coriander soup.
Getting comfy with a blanket, a bowl of soup and warm bread on a Saturday afternoon is bliss.
Try seasonal recipes
There’s an expression among chefs and food producers, “If it grows together, it goes together.” Chefs like Nigel Slater swear by this, and seasonal recipes are a great way to use what’s in your garden. They’re also more sustainable. For example, onions and garlic, herbs and cabbages, and squash and radishes all grow well next to each other. You can bring all these together with some creative cooking into a fulfilling butternut squash risotto to easily feed a large family.
Here’s an example of a risotto recipe to try:
Spicy drinks or tea
Of course, there are also warming drinks that do just as good a job of making you feel better about the world as any dish. Autumn is a time for apple picking at an orchard, where you can enjoy fresh cider or apple juice with classic spices such as cinnamon. Or drink your favorite tea or coffee blend, such as spiced pumpkin, while reading a book or watching a movie. Of course, there’s the classic mulled wine that many people like, too.
If it isn’t feel good food, it probably isn’t worth making. But classics like a roast, soups, and spicy drinks definitely lift your mood when the darker, longer nights arrive.
