As the leaves change color and the autumn winds start blowing, no doubt many of us start craving for those comforting and warming dishes that not only nourish our bodies but also soothe our souls. Indeed, there's something incredibly magical about the autumn season and the delectable palette of flavors it brings with it. It's during this time of the year that our meals transform from the light and fresh summer salads to hearty and robust stews and curries. So here we go with some of my gigantic collection of favorite autumn recipes that will make you fall in love with the season, once again.
Let's start with a welter of starters. It's essential to set the mood right for the delightful dinner that lies ahead. One of my absolute favorites is a hearty butternut squash soup. Sweet, savory and absolutely brimming with autumnal flavors, butternut squash soup is the embodiment of fall comfort food. This fantastic recipe involves sautéing onions, garlic and butternut squash, baking it to perfection and then blending it to a smooth consistency. But remember, the real kick comes from seasoning. A dash of nutmeg, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of cream transform this humble soup into a bowl of nuanced flavors that's nothing short of magical. I remember one evening, my wife Felicity and I spent experimenting with this soup's seasoning – it was not only a delicious endeavor, but also an incredibly fun culinary adventure.
Moving onto the main courses, there are just too many mouthwatering dishes to choose from. For a meaty delight, I highly recommend a cider-brined pork roast. This recipe brings out the deep, rustic flavors of fall. You've got the pork roast seeping in a brine of apple cider, rosemary, and thyme. Having absorbed all those wonderful flavors, the pork is then roasted to perfection, tender on the inside, and with a mouthwateringly crispy crust on the outside.
Chicken pot pie is another classic that's a hit in our household every single time. Flaky pastry, creamy sauce, and a heartwarming mix of chicken and veggies make it a wholesome autumn meal. I remember, one exceptionally chilly autumn evening, this succulent chicken potpie managed to warm not only our bodies but also our souls. So, the moral of the story is, keep this recipe handy for those low-mood autumn days - it is a guaranteed mood-lifter!
Now, let's not forget the side dishes. Among my favorites, roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and caramelized onions top the list. The sweetness of the caramelized onions beautifully balances the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts, while the crispy bacon adds a delightful textural contrast. This dish is a riot of flavors and textures.
Another great side dish you need to try out this autumn is stuffed sweet potatoes. A warm, comforting dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Felicity usually takes the lead on this one, stuffing them with a mixture of black beans, corn, and a delightful mess of spices. With each bite, you get the sweet creaminess of the potato, the heartiness of the beans and corn all rounded off by the aromatic spices, an eating experience that is indeed music to your taste buds.
No meal is complete without a touch of sweetness at the end. So let's talk about desserts. How about a pumpkin pie? Yes, we've all had it, but it's a classic dessert for a reason. Beautifully spiced, and yet with a delightful sweetness, pumpkin pie sings of the autumn season. A tip here – try adding a little bit of ginger to your pie. It gives an amazing warmth and increases the complexity of flavors.
Another favorite is apple cinnamon crumble. Imagine biting into a mixture of soft cooked apples flavored with cinnamon and covered with a crispy, buttery topping. This dessert is pure autumn bliss! I remember Felicity chiding me for having one too many servings of this heavenly dessert, but who could resist it?
As we experience the beauty of fall and its mesmerizing colors, let's bring the season's warm and comforting hues to our dinner plates. So there you have it - delightful dinner recipes for the autumn season that are sure to arouse the gastronome in you. So go ahead, don your aprons and let the cooking begin. As always, remember that the best ingredient you can add to any recipe is a sprinkling of love!