Going Back To Our Roots (Vegetables)
Ahhh, fall. The time of year when many of us return to school, a regular work schedule, and listen to our biological clocks telling us to bulk up to survive the winter. We’re happy to oblige, of course, as there are so many delicious meals to eat around this time of year. For a reminder of your favorite classic comforts, or potential discovery of new ones, read on.
1. Cranberry Brie Pecan Pinwheels
Think of this as a delicious charcuterie board in a bite-sized cup. The tartness of the berry, the sweetness of the brie, and topping the whole thing off with a little bit of honey make this the ultimate snack for any fall foodie.
2. Apple Cider Donuts
There is always a time for donuts, but apples and apple cider tend to skew towards the fall. Many folks enjoy making these cakey fall desserts when the weather changes. Top of the donuts with some cinnamon sugar, and you’re good to go.
3. Pasta Fagioli
Not necessarily a “fall food,” but the warm combination of small pasta noodles, beans, and collard greens will warm anyone up on a chilly day. It’s hearty, it’s healthy, and it's fresh, and it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for nutritional value.
4. Chicken And Apples
Your new favorite dinner recipe is here. Mix up some chicken with apple slices, rosemary, and a sweet-and-savory sauce to make this an easy, one-pan dinner for any busy weeknight.
5. Sweet Potato Pie
This southern comfort dessert is super easy to make, and is usually found on the dinner table during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. The crust is flaky and buttery, and the filling is creamy, rich, and has a much deeper flavor than sweet potatoes alone.
6. Pumpkin Curry
Curry is another simple weeknight recipe that boasts loads of flavors, nutrients, and a warm, fuzzy feeling that will reach all the way to your toes. Curries can be made up of just about any flavors, but incorporating the nutty flavor of pumpkin adds a little something special to this dish.
7. Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese
Why make regular mac and cheese when you can take it a tasty step further? The squash will add an extra layer of creaminess that you just can’t get with those powdered cheeses, but won’t weigh you down after your meal.
8. Pumpkin Hummus
If you’re a fan of football or other sporting events, pumpkin hummus is a great snack option to serve to your guests. The taste is so versatile, and you can serve it with vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumbers, or opt for pita bread, crackers, or even apple slices.
9. Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip
This holiday appetizer will have your guests begging for more. Combining feta with herbs, garlic, cream cheese, cranberry sauce, pistachios, and honey, you’ll have a multi-layered experience that will be sure to whet the palate for any dinner party.
Henk van der Steege on Unsplash
10. Beet Salad With Goat Cheese
Salads are so closely associated with warmer weather, but we can’t forget about our root veggies! Mixing up some beets with cheese, apples, and arugula will provide you with a healthy lunch option or side dish.
Kostiantyn Vierkieiev on Unsplash
11. Squash Soup
There are countless soups you can make with squash, and all of them will be creamy and cozy. A popular choice is to mix the squash with ginger, rosemary, and sage, so you’re helping your heart and your gut at the same time.
12. Sloppy Joes
Again, we know this isn’t really a fall food, but who wants to eat such a dense, messy meal in the middle of July? Autumn is the peak time for making this hearty meal, and we’d definitely recommend a lazy night in for your food baby to digest properly.
13. Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is a well-loved recipe that has comforted millions for generations. To make it even more fall-friendly, incorporate some of our favorite butternut squash into your dish to add some extra oomph to your Sunday night meal.
14. Mushroom Risotto
This filling dish is packed with your favorite fall comforts. Mushrooms are so closely associated with fall that it makes sense to enjoy them in the depths of November. The dish is well-loved even in the highest of high-end restaurants, but easy enough to make in the safety of your own home.
15. Pumpkin Gnocchi With Sage Butter
This recipe just screams fall. The crispiness of gnocchi, the nuttiness of the pumpkin, and the earthy taste of the sage make this a dinner to die for. Gnocchi also cooks in 5 minutes or less, so it's a great recipe for the busy beaver.
16. Pumpkin Tomato Soup
We know the comfort of dipping grilled cheese into tomato soup, but have you ever considered adding pumpkin to the mix? Pumpkin and tomato mesh quite well together, making the perfect combination of sweetness and acidity that you can enjoy on a rainy afternoon.
17. Goulash
Goulash is a meat and veggie medley that often also includes macaroni noodles, kind of similar to a chili. It’s best enjoyed when the weather turns cold, so it makes sense that it reappears during the harvest season.
18. Root Vegetables
This is the best time of year to enjoy our favorite nutrient-rich veggies. Carrots, potatoes, yams, beets, radishes, turnips, and parsnips are all in season around this time of year, and they can be a welcome addition to any dish you make.
Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu on Unsplash
19. Fried Chicken And Cornbread
This delicious meal is best enjoyed in your most comfortable elastic pants and an early night in. It’s a bit on the heavier side, but it is a well-loved Southern comfort meal that is great on a cold night. Plus, cornbread is super moist, buttery, and a little sweet, counteracting the fried savory flavors of your chicken dish.
20. Thanksgiving Dinner
We couldn’t not include Thanksgiving dinner on this list. Between ham, turkey, stuffing, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, rolls, gravy, and maybe some green beans on the side, this meal is best enjoyed among loved ones. Don’t forget about the pumpkin pie!
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