Written by: Nicole Pazdziorko, RDN, LDN

Fall is the perfect time to lean into warm and comforting dishes. Hearty soups, stews, curries and casseroles shine this time of year and are great for feeding a crowd or for enjoying leftovers throughout the week. 

Lean On Seasonal Produce

One of the best parts of autumn is the abundance of hearty, seasonal produce. From crunchy, cruciferous vegetables and sweet, nutty squash to rugged root vegetables, there are diverse options to incorporate daily into recipes while still having plenty of variety. A few stars to feature throughout the fall include:

• Butternut squash – a source of antioxidants vitamin C and beta carotene, pick up ShortCuts Roasters Fresh Cut Diced Butternut Squash, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast; or puree in a soup. For a nutrient-rich addition to a classic comfort dishes, add to macaroni and cheese.

• Acorn squash – rich in fiber, vitamin C, potassium and beta carotene, try stuffing a roasted squash half with a mixture of whole grains, cheese and cranberries for an entree; or slice into wedges and roast as a side dish.

• Apples – full of fiber and antioxidants, feature in sweet or savory dishes, from apple crisp or cobbler to chicken sausage sheet pan meals and slow cooked pork tenderloin.

• Mushrooms – an underrated pick for fall, UV-exposed mushrooms are a plant source of vitamin D; sauté and add to pasta or grain dishes to deepen savory flavor.  

• Cabbage – packed with vitamins K, folate and a source of plant sterols which help to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, cabbage is a wonderful addition to simple skillet meals and soups.

Boost Flavor with Herbs and Spices

Cold weather dishes call for spices and aromatics that can add warmth and depth of flavor to dishes.  Think roots, spices, fresh or dried herbs, and aromatics. Here are a few ideas to make dishes feel more like fall:

• Ginger & Turmeric – add to fall baked goods, curries and soups, grate into fall smoothies or feature in stir fry

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves– pair with apples and pork tenderloin, mix into muffins or cookies, add a sprinkle to morning coffee or stir into oatmeal or yogurt

• Rosemary, Sage, Thyme – add to mashed parsnips or potatoes, roasted meats and poultry, and casseroles