The arrival of autumn brings falling leaves and beautiful scenic changes to the natural landscape around us. It’s a time to be celebrated as it marks the end of one season, and the beginning of another. After a summer of utilizing in season fruits and veggies such as tomatoes, blueberries, and watermelon it’s now time to shift our focus to what’s in season for fall. Rustic root vegetables take center stage for these colder months and are best used in hearty and warm meals that can be enjoyed on a chilly fall night. However, it can sometimes be difficult when shopping to properly pick the best produce our seasons have to offer.
Sweet Potatoes– Sweet Potatoes are among some of the healthiest starch you can come buy and are essentially considered a “superfood” due to their high and enriched vitamin and mineral content. They are best utilized in soups combined with other root vegetables as a thickener, or roasted on their own with maple syrup and cinnamon to balance out a particularly savory roast. Try your hand at sweet potato pie, which can be served as a side dish for both dinner and dessert.
Recipe Ideas: Sour Cream Sweet Potato Pie, Roasted Sweet Potato Casserole, Curried Sweet Potato Apple Soup
Beets– Another contender on the superfood list, beats are essential in filtering the blood and helping rid the body of free radicals in toxins. They produce a deep red color to any dish they are utilized in, making them a particular good choice for aesthetically pleasing dishes. When shopping, look for firm, smooth bulbs and bright, crisp greens. They are best used mixed in salads and even pickled for a tart and tantalizing addition to any meal.
Recipe Ideas: Beat and Goat Cheese Honey Tart, Beat and Feta Burgers, Ginger Beet Sorbet. Borscht (Russian beet soup)
Brussels Sprouts– These mini cabbages have taken someone of a bad rep from picky little ones and vegetable haters. Gone are the days of boring flavorless steaming, as chefs have gotten quite creative with this versatile vegetable. Best served roasted or fried, they take on the flavor of whatever they’re cooked with. Try tossing them with bacon or caramelized onions for a flavor packed side dish no one will be able to ignore.
Recipe Ideas: Roasted Brussels sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey, Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Dressing, Honey Mustard Brussels Sprout Slaw
Squash – This rustic gourd gained popularity recently as spaghetti’s healthier cousin. It has high levels of beta-carotene, which promotes healthy skin and eyesight. Be it butternut, winter (spaghetti), or acorn squash this versatile vegetable can be used in a multitude of recipes. Try baking it into a casserole or toss it up with some pasta in a rich herb sauce.
Recipe Ideas: Baked Cheesy Squash Casserole, Squash Croquettes, Lemon Poppy seed Squash Bread, Taco Stuffed Yellow Squash Boats
The fantastic thing about these meals is that they can be cooked in excess and frozen for leftovers. You can even utilize leftovers in other meals for a completely new dish. Consult your local grocer for more fresh in season vegetables that are specific to your region. Try a meatless night by combining several different vegetables for an innovative and super healthy meal your family will love.
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