With the start of Autumn and the colder months approaching, we all start craving warm, comforting meals. Pies, stews, risottos, casseroles, and soups are perfect for this time of year. We have prepared a list of recipes with seasonal vegetables and fruits that are easily accessible in the Autumn months in Western/Northern Europe.
Apples
Regional apples are in season from August through to Mid-November and can be added to a wide range of desserts and baked goods.
Our recommendation is an Apple Crumble – it is delicious, warm, and extremely easy to make. This recipe can be served with vanilla custard or vanilla ice cream.
Pears
Just like apples, Autumn is high season for pears. A Pear Tarte Tartin is a classic French dessert and perfect for a cozy evening.
Pumpkins
Pumpkin is what most people think of when they think of Autumn vegetables. Pumpkins are extremely versatile and can be added to savoury dishes, as well as desserts and baked goods. Simply baking pumpkins with herbs and aromatics can make for a delicious side dish, but we have selected two recipes that celebrates this vegetable by making it the main ingredient. This spicy pumpkin soup may be just what you need on a cold night.
Or if you have a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with the classic American Pumpkin Pie. The amazing combination of spices – ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla – makes this a perfect holiday dessert.
Parsnips
Parsnips are a root vegetable that can be a great side dish – Parsnip Fries, Parsnip Purée; a great addition to a Shepherd’s pie; or you could make them the star of the dish by making one of these delicious Parsnip Soups:
Leeks
Leeks can be found all year round, but it is always best for the environment to buy local seasonal ingredients, if you can. In Europe, Leek season is from July to November. We have selected two different styles of chicken and leek pies that are the definition of comfort food.
Signature Dish
Lastly, a recipe created by COLUMBIA signature’s very own Corporate Chefs: Oven-braised beef cheeks with parsnips, celery and apple mousseline. This is a true comfort food recipe, that perfectly encapsulates Autumn ingredients and flavours.
Sources:
http://na-nu.com/terfloth.org/Kitchen/Season_Cal.pdf
https://www.eufic.org/en/explore-seasonal-fruit-and-vegetables-in-europe
