As the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes crisp, there's a certain magic that comes with the arrival of fall. Along with cozy sweaters and pumpkin-spiced everything, one of the best things about this season is the delicious array of foods it brings. From hearty root vegetables to the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, fall is a time for comforting, hearty, and flavorful meals. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best fall foods for dinner, and why they are the perfect choices for this season of change.
Butternut Squash: A Versatile Delight
Butternut squash is a quintessential fall ingredient with its sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant orange flesh. It has rich, earthy flavors, and can be transformed into a variety of delicious dinner options. Butternut squash is also a rich source of essential nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and various minerals. These nutrients can help support your immune system, boost your energy, and keep you healthy during the fall season. Take a look at one of our favorite ways to chop up and use this wonderful fall food for dinner.
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto**
**Preparation:** To prepare butternut squash, start by peeling it, removing the seeds, and cubing it. You can roast the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are tender and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness. Alternatively, you can make a creamy butternut squash soup by simmering the cubed squash with onions, garlic, and vegetable broth, then pureeing it until smooth.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, sauté the onions and garlic in butter until they become translucent.
2. Add the Arborio rice and stir for a couple of minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
3. Pour in the white wine and stir until it's mostly absorbed by the rice.
4. Begin adding the vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and al dente.
5. While preparing the risotto, roast the diced butternut squash in the oven until tender.
6. Once the risotto is cooked, fold in the roasted butternut squash and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve the creamy butternut squash risotto garnished with fresh sage leaves.
Brussels Sprouts: Small Bites of Heaven
Brussels sprouts are a cold-weather crop, which means they thrive in cooler temperatures. Fall provides the ideal climate for them to grow, resulting in better taste and texture. Brussels sprouts can be prepared in a variety of ways, including roasting, sautéing, grilling, and even shredding for use in salads. Their slightly nutty flavor pairs well with many fall ingredients, such as cranberries, apples, and pecans. Additionally, brussels sprouts are low in calories and rich in fiber, making them a healthy addition to your fall diet. Our favorite way is to roast them!
**Preparation:** Begin by trimming the Brussels sprouts, cutting them in half, and tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in a preheated oven until they are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can also elevate their flavor by adding balsamic glaze, bacon bits, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Apples: Sweet and Savory Powerhouses
Apples are at their prime in the fall, and they make a perfect complement to both sweet and savory dishes. There are countless apple varieties, each with its unique flavor and texture. They pair well with many traditional fall flavors, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel. This makes them a perfect ingredient for creating dishes that capture the essence of the season. Check our favorite way to use apples in a delectable savory dinner dish!
Apples: Sweet and Savory Powerhouses
Apple-Stuffed Pork Chops
**Preparation:** To make apple-stuffed pork chops, butterfly the pork chops to create a pocket for stuffing. For the filling, combine diced apples, breadcrumbs, sage, and a touch of brown sugar. Stuff the mixture into the pork chops and secure with toothpicks. Sear the stuffed chops in a hot skillet, then finish cooking them in the oven until they reach the desired doneness.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the diced apples, breadcrumbs, fresh sage, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Butterfly each pork chop, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Season the inside of each chop with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each pork chop with the apple mixture and secure with toothpicks.
5. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and sear the stuffed pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Transfer the pork chops to a baking dish and finish cooking in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to 160°F (71°C) for medium, as recommended by the USDA.
7. Remove the toothpicks before serving, and enjoy your delicious apple-stuffed pork chops.
Sweet Potatoes: Nutritious and Delicious
Sweet potatoes are a filling and satisfying option that can help keep you warm and satisfied on cool autumn days. Their complex carbohydrates provide energy and can be part of a balanced diet. They are highly nutritious. They are an excellent source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, and various minerals. These nutrients support your immune system and overall health, which is essential as the colder months approach. Like apples, this delicious root vegetable can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, making them a perfect fall food for dinner.
For a hearty and warming dinner that's also vegan-friendly, this sweet potato and black bean chili is an excellent choice.
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
**Preparation:** Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot. Add diced sweet potatoes, black beans, canned tomatoes, and a blend of chili spices. Simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, and the chili is thick and flavorful. Serve with your choice of toppings, such as avocado, cilantro, or a dollop of vegan sour cream.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toppings of your choice: avocado, cilantro, vegan sour cream
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth.
4. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chili has thickened.
6. Serve the sweet potato and black bean chili with your favorite toppings and enjoy a hearty and flavorful vegan dinner.
Fall dinners are all about embracing the season's flavors, whether through cozy classics like butternut squash risotto, roasted Brussels sprouts, or apple-stuffed pork chops, or by trying something new like sweet potato and black bean chili. The crisp air and changing leaves provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying these hearty and delicious meals. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get to work creating these incredible fall foods for dinner. We promise you'll savor every last bite!