Fall is upon us, bringing the promise of cozy sweaters, beautiful foliage, and a new variety of seasonal foods to fill our plates. This is the perfect time to explore a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables and hone your culinary skills with the help of YouTube's finest. In this post, we'll guide you through the best seasonal produce to include in your fall meals and introduce you to must-try recipes available on YouTube.
Eating with the Seasons
As you bid farewell to summer salads and tropical fruits, here are some seasonal micro and macronutrients you can incorporate into your autumn meals.
Fruits
Apples
Best consumed from late summer to early winter, apples are perfect for pies, ciders, and eating fresh.
Cranberries
Cranberries shine in the fall, perfect for sauces or as a tart contrast in salads.
Grapes
Late summer through early winter is the time for grapes. Think beyond the fruit bowl and try roasting them.
Pears
Autumn is prime pear season, ideal for both desserts and savory dishes.
Vegetables
Beets
Fall is an excellent time for beets, which can be roasted, juiced, or added to salads.
Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Cauliflower
These veggies love the cooler fall weather and are versatile in many dishes.
Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery
Fall and winter are peak seasons for these hearty vegetables.
Collard Greens, Garlic, Ginger, Herbs
These greens and spices can elevate any fall dish.
Green Beans, Kale, Lettuce, Onions, Peas
These vegetables thrive in fall's cooler temperatures.
Mushrooms, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes and yams, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Winter Squash
Harvested in the fall, these veggies are the stars of autumn comfort food.
Picking the Best Fall Ingredients
Once you know what you're looking for, it's essential to understand how to choose the best quality ingredients. Here's a brief guide to picking a few fall favorites.
Quick and Easy Fall Recipes at Your Fingertips
If you're looking for inspiration to cook with these ingredients, the CHEF iQ App offers a convenient way to filter and find recipes tailored to your needs. Whether on a time crunch or looking for more elaborate dishes, the App has you covered.
On that note, Chef iQ's YouTube channel is a treasure trove of guided cooking videos featuring seasonal recipes. Here's a curated list to get you inspired on recipes for the fall:
Spaghetti Squash Primavera
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As the leaves fall and the air turns crisp, what could be better than a plate of Spaghetti Squash Primavera to warm you up? This innovative take on a pasta classic replaces traditional spaghetti with spaghetti squash, making it a guilt-free yet delicious meal. Tossed with an array of seasonal vegetables, garlic, and herbs, this dish makes your weeknights healthier and adds a touch of autumnal warmth to your dinner table.
White Bean and Kale Soup
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Soup season is here, and our White Bean and Kale Soup is the epitome of fall comfort food. This hearty soup combines white beans' creaminess with kale's earthiness, offering a Tuscan twist to your traditional vegetable soup. And for those who can't resist a meaty bite, add some crumbled sausage or bacon to make it even more indulgent. It's a perfect way to wrap up a chilly day!
Saag Paneer
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Embrace the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine this fall with Saag Paneer. The star of this dish is paneer, a mild cheese that soaks up the rich flavors of the saag sauce—a creamy blend of spinach and spices. It's the perfect way to add a little international flair to your autumn meal rotation, and it pairs wonderfully with warm naan or rice on a fantastic evening.
Vegetarian Chili
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Are you looking for something hearty but healthy this fall? Our Vegetarian Chili has got you covered. Filled to the brim with plant-based goodness and enhanced with quinoa, this chili is satisfying and wholesome. It's a one-pot wonder that you'll want to make a staple in your fall cooking repertoire. From tailgate parties to family dinners, this dish is versatile and customizable to please any palate.
Kale and Tofu Quinoa Bowl
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Who says fall meals can't be fresh and vibrant? Our Kale and Tofu Quinoa Bowl is a nutritional powerhouse that harmonizes sweet, spicy, and umami flavors. Ideal for those transitional fall days, this bowl is filling yet light, making it a fantastic option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it's packed with protein, thanks to the tofu and quinoa.
Honey-Dijon Chicken and Potatoes
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Combining the comforting allure of honey and Dijon mustard with chicken and potatoes, this dish is a homely addition to your fall menu. It's easy to prepare but tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen, making it a win-win for busy weeknights.
Quinoa & Brussels Sprouts Salad
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Welcome fall with a nutritious and delicious salad featuring quinoa and Brussels sprouts. It's an ideal side dish for any autumn dinner or a great stand-alone meal for lunch. Either way, it adds a dash of fall colors and flavors to your mealtime.
Mini Carrot Cakes with Frosting
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These adorable Mini Carrot Cakes bring the essence of fall into your kitchen. The warming spices and sweet frosting make for a perfect treat after a day of apple picking or leaf peeping.
"Baked" Potatoes With Bacon & Sour Cream
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Want the comforting flavor of a baked potato without the long oven wait? This pressure cooker recipe delivers perfectly cooked potatoes in a fraction of the time. Please choose your favorite fall toppings to make it your own!
Whipped Sweet Potatoes With Pecan Streusel
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This dish takes sweet potatoes to the next level with a delicious pecan streusel topping. It's a sumptuous side that would be the star of any Thanksgiving table or simply a special treat during the autumn season.
"Roasted" Herbed Fingerling Potatoes
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Who says you need an oven to enjoy the crispy goodness of roasted potatoes? With this pressure cooker recipe, you can indulge in herby, crispy fingerling potatoes that are perfect for a fall feast.
"Skillet" Cornbread
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Nothing says fall like a warm slice of cornbread. This recipe delivers all the sweet, buttery goodness you crave without needing a skillet or oven. It's perfect for rounding out a hearty autumn meal.
Acorn Squash Harvest Salad
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Celebrate the harvest season with this scrumptious acorn squash salad. It's a light yet satisfying start to any autumn dinner, offering a blend of textures and fall flavors you'll adore.
Black Bean and Chicken Tostadas
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Last but not least, these tostadas offer a delightful crunch and a fusion of flavors that make for an exciting fall dinner option. The combination of spicy black beans and tender chicken always hits the spot.
Fall offers a treasure trove of flavors and nutrients far beyond the realm of pumpkin spice. By understanding what's in season and how to select the best produce, you can enrich your meals and improve your well-being.
