Just because Summer is over doesn’t mean all the fresh vegetables are gone until next year. As the leaves begin to change color and the weather cools down, our thoughts turn to comfort food. We start craving heartier meals that will warm us up from the inside out. Fortunately, fall is the perfect time to enjoy some of the best vegetables that nature has to offer.
Here are some fall favorite vegetables and a few ways to prepare them, that you should try this season:
Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a great source of Vitamin C. They get their name because they look exactly like an acorn just much larger. Look for one without any spots or cracks, dull in color, and feel heavy for its size.
Acorn squash can easily be prepared and baked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, cut the acorn in half, and remove the insides. Drizzle some olive oil on the flesh, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 45 minutes or until tender.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are notorious for the weird smell but don’t let that stop you. They are full of vitamins C and K and plenty of other nutrients. They are part of the cruciferous vegetable family and look like tiny green cabbages.
They are also incredibly easy to prepare. Cut a few Brussel sprouts in half and lay them in a saucepan prepared with melted butter or olive oil. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes while covered and over medium-low heat. When they are done they should be tender and will have a rich nutty and buttery flavor.
Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash is oblong pear-shaped and dull orange in color. Just like acorn squash, pick ones that are blemish free and feel heavier than they look. Butternut squash is rich in B-complex vitamins and Vitamin A. Butternut squash can be made into soups, used in desserts, or simply cubed and baked in the oven.
Pumpkin
There is no surprise that one of the top favorite fall vegetables is a pumpkin. During fall, just about anything and everything is pumpkin flavored but nothing is as good as the real thing. When picking the best pumpkin, look for ones that are rich and even in color. Look for strong stems and avoid green or tan-colored spots. Pumpkins can be baked in the oven and pureed for pies. The seeds can even be roasted in the oven for a nice snack.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are full of nutrients, delicious, and super filling while being low-calorie and great for your health. Look for sweet potatoes that are deep in color and small to medium in size. They should be firm and smooth to the touch. Sweet potatoes can be baked just as or mashed and used in casseroles or pies.
Fall Vegetables Recipes
Now that we have gone over some of the best fall vegetables, why don’t we dive into some recipes? Here are five easy-peasy fall vegetable recipes that are sure to be a hit with the family.
Roasted Root Vegetables
One of our all-time favorite things to make in the fall is roasted root vegetables. This dish is so simple, yet so flavorful and filling. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any root vegetables you may have lying around, such as carrots, potatoes, turnips, and beets.
Simply chop them up into bite-sized pieces, drizzle with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and roast in a 400-degree oven for 20-30 minutes. That’s it! Serve as a side dish or add some protein for a complete meal.
Autumn Salad with Apples and Pecans
This salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and makes for a great starter or side dish. The crispness of the apples pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese and crunchy pecans, while the balsamic dressing ties everything together.
If you’re feeling extra festive, you could even add a few pomegranate seeds on top. The slight tartness of the pomegranate really complements the sweetness of the apples and dressing. Yum!
Pumpkin Chili
What would fall be without pumpkin? This chili is the perfect comfort food for cooler days and is packed full of healthy ingredients like beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and of course pumpkin puree.
Add some spice with chili powder and cumin or keep it mild by leaving out the jalapeños. Either way, top with some shredded cheese and enjoy!
Butternut Squash Soup
This soup is creamy, comforting, and perfect for a cool autumn day. It’s also really easy to make, which is always a bonus. Simply roast butternut squash (or two, depending on their size), then add the roasted squash, chicken broth, and spices to a blender and blend until smooth.
For an extra bit of creaminess, you could also stir in some half and half or coconut milk. Top with croutons, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream and enjoy!
Baked Apples
No fall meal is complete without a bit of dessert, and these baked apples are the perfect sweet treat. They’re also really easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients.
Simply core out your apples, stuff them with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, then bake in a 350-degree oven for about 30 minutes. Serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream on top. Delicious!
Conclusion
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy some of nature’s best vegetables. From roasted butternut squash to sauteed Brussels sprouts, there are endless ways to enjoy these seasonal treasures. So stock up at your local farmer’s market or grocery store and enjoy all that fall has to offer.
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