Fall is here!
It’s officially that time of year again, when staying home to make a cozy soup actually sounds reasonable. We’re excited to share some of the best in-season produce for the month of October, as well as some of our favorite recipes.
As the air turns crisp and the leaves shift to deep reds and oranges, our kitchens start to follow suit. Root vegetables, squashes, and hearty greens take center stage, bringing a rich, earthy flavor to our meals. This is the time to embrace everything the season has to offer, whether it’s a simmering pot of butternut squash soup or roasted carrots that are as sweet as candy.
What’s In Season
1. Butternut Squash:
Butternut squash is a fall staple in my kitchen. It’s sweet, nutty, and can be used in everything from soups to roasted sides to creamy risottos. One of my go-to recipes is a velvety butternut squash soup with coconut milk, cinnamon, and a hint of ginger. It’s the ultimate bowl of comfort, especially when paired with fresh sourdough bread.
2. Sweet Potatoes:
These orange beauties are full of beta-carotene and are so versatile. Whether mashed, roasted, or turned into crispy fries, sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness to savory dishes. My current favorite? Sweet potato and black bean chili, topped with a dollop of sour cream and cilantro for a cozy weeknight dinner.
3. Carrots:
Carrots are at their best in the cooler months, becoming naturally sweeter. I love roasting them with a drizzle of olive oil, honey, and thyme. They also add a perfect crunch to any fall salad. Plus, carrot ginger soup is a refreshing yet warming dish, ideal for those days when you need something light but flavorful.
4. Kale:
October is when leafy greens like kale become robust, with a little touch of frost making them even sweeter. This nutrient-packed green is perfect in salads, sautés, and smoothies. But when the weather turns chilly, kale works beautifully in soups and stews. Kale, white bean, and sausage soup is always a winner—hearty enough for dinner and perfect for leftovers.
5. Apples:
Is there anything more quintessentially fall than apples? While they’re often seen in sweet treats like apple pie, I love incorporating them into savory dishes. Thinly sliced apples add a bright contrast to fall salads, while baked apples with cinnamon and nuts make a quick and healthy dessert.
6. Pumpkins:
Beyond carving, pumpkins are an underrated culinary star. The flesh of smaller pumpkins, like sugar pumpkins, is great for pies, curries, and even pumpkin gnocchi. And don’t throw out the seeds! Roasted with a pinch of salt or spices, they make for a perfect fall snack.
Favorite Fall Recipes
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
This soup is the essence of fall. Roasted butternut squash, tart apples, and warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon come together in a silky, comforting bowl. Garnish with a swirl of coconut cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Kale and Quinoa Salad with Roasted Carrots
For those warmer fall days, this salad is a great balance of hearty and fresh. Toss kale with roasted carrots, quinoa, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, then top it all off with crumbled goat cheese and dried cranberries.
Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew
This hearty stew is packed with sweet potatoes, lentils, and earthy spices like cumin and turmeric. It’s a filling dish that’s ideal for batch cooking and freezing for those busy fall evenings when you need something nourishing in a pinch.
For more recipes, grab our guide with 100+ in-season and nutrient dense ideas!