With summer now just a distant memory and the cooler weather starting to bite, our thoughts are turning to the autumn season. The nights will be getting longer and we’re going to be spending more time in the kitchen. This means it’s time to update our recipe books from salads to stews and stock our cupboards with some warmer ingredients.
Seasonal staples like pumpkins and plums are always a great way to bring an autumnal twist to your dishes! George Rouse, executive chef at George’s Kitchen, believes this is the best time to get creative with your cooking, here is the best autumnal dishes he thinks you should try this season.
Veggie soup
Soups in particular are a great way to utilise all of the country vegetables that are in season, whether that’s carrots, parsnips or potatoes. They’re an easy and hearty way to get yourself ready for the weather cooling down. Try adding an autumnal twist by combining veg with chilli, turmeric or even chickpeas.
Onion squash
Onion squash is that weird looking vegetable, across between a butternut squash and a pumpkin. it’s a very versatile autumn win! There are endless ways that it can be enjoyed, whether it’s roasted as a solo side dish or filled with feta and quinoa to make a delicious stuffed dish. Another veggie favourite is onion squash spaghetti which can be achieved by simply shredding it into noodle shapes and baking until tender.
Warming stew
Autumn stews and casseroles are generally quite easy and low maintenance for a bit of comfort this autumn. Whether you fancy beef, lamb or a bit of venison, all you need to do it chop some chunky veg along and slow cook it along with the meat until tender. Let the pot simmer with flavour and serve up with baby potatoes and extra veg on the side.
Roast chicken combos
After a warm summer of light salads, it’s time to get the family round for a cosy Sunday roast. But instead of all the traditional trimmings you can serve up a delicious combination of sweet and savoury. Firstly, you could add thyme and rosemary to your roast chicken and then try pairing it with an apricot-onion pan sauce or with sliced onion and apple pieces.
Pumpkin leftovers
It turns out, pumpkins are good for a lot more than cutting out scary faces and putting a tea light in them for Halloween. It’s another versatile veg that can be used in almost any autumn dish. You can use it to make a creamy pumpkin risotto, a delicious pumpkin pie or you could even try serving a pumpkin soup in its hollowed shell for a creative presentation idea.
For more information on George’s kitchen, visit georgeskitchen.co.uk.
